Despite an impressive late resurgence, Max Verstappen missed out on his fifth consecutive Formula 1 world title in 2025. Helmut Marko, however, believes the Red Bull driver would have become champion had Christian Horner left the team at an earlier stage.
Shortly after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, it was announced that Red Bull and Marko would immediately end their longstanding collaboration, despite an ongoing contract. It occurred in the same season that saw Horner be sacked as team principal in July after 20 years with the Austrian squad.
