It has been 10 years since Max Verstappen was plucked from the ranks of Red Bull’s junior F1 team and thrust into a full-time seat with the energy drink giant’s main racing squad.

The man behind the bold decision, Helmut Marko, was heavily questioned at the time due to Verstappen’s youth and inexperience compared to the man he was replacing, Daniil Kvyat.

Kvyat is four years Verstappen’s senior but after the Russian driver was deemed to be at fault for one too many crashes, Marko decided it was time to give his protege a chance.

The former head of Red Bull’s driver development programme had planned to allow the Dutchman to complete his sophomore season in F1 with Toro Rosso and then assess his chances of promotion.

However, these plans quickly changed after a disappointing run from Kvyat, with Marko initiating an early mid-season swap, promoting the 18-year-old and demoting Kvyat.

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Marko reveals Horner pushback over Verstappen promotion

Now, a decade on from that monumental move, ex-Red Bull advisor Marko looked back on the decision that many disagreed with, revealing that even team boss at the time, Christian Horner, wasn’t initially sold on the prospect of a promotion for a teenage Verstappen.

Speaking to Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Marko said: “Team principal Horner disagreed with promoting Max after just four races in 2016; he was against it.

“Just as many rivals and critics put me through the wringer and said that Max was still far too young and that this was a dangerous move.”

Marko, now 83 years old and recently retired from his full-time duties within Red Bull’s F1 ranks spoke of how quickly the deal with Verstappen took place.

Marko had attempted to get hold of his father, ex-F1 driver Jos Verstappen, but he was unable to pick up due to being mid-flight. When Verstappen Sr. landed, he had three missed calls from the Austrian.

“Jos saw it coming,” said Marko.

“He called back and asked something like: ‘Should we come to Graz?’ I deliberately didn’t say what it was about at the time, but a day later we were indeed already together in Austria.

“We knew we were going to get a lot of flak. But fortunately, both Jos and I were used to such outbursts…”

Marko was immediately vindicated and the now sacked team principal Horner proved wrong.

Just two weeks after being promoted to Red Bull alongside Daniel Ricciardo, Verstappen picked up his maiden victory on debut for the main team, silencing his doubters and making history by standing on the top step of the podium at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.

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Maro Engel is full of praise for four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen as the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nurburgring approaches.

The Mercedes-AMG factory driver believes the Dutchman has a genuine passion for the Nordschleife and speaking to GPFans, Engel said it’s an honour to be teammates with Verstappen.

Engel, who has plenty of experience on the infamous Eifel track, won the 24h Nurburgring a decade ago. Although he hasn’t claimed another victory since, he’s hopeful this weekend will mark a turnaround as he shares the No. 80 Team Ravenol entry with Maxime Martin, Fabian Schiller, and Luca Stolz.

The car, which is run by Winward Racing and the same team managing Verstappen Racing, posted the quickest time in the first qualifying session. Afterwards, Engel revealed that he is thrilled to be part of the same camp as the Red Bull F1 star.

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Verstappen: A regular guy

Engel told GPFans: “First and foremost, it’s fantastic that he’s decided to take part in this event. As many have already noted, his decision really shows what kind of driver he is.

“His attitude fits perfectly with our team, and it’s refreshing to hear his perspective. He instinctively adapts to different situations, which is a huge asset.

“I genuinely consider it an honour to have him on board. He’s integrated flawlessly and is just as much a member of this group as any of us. Perhaps he’s simply blessed with a bit more natural talent.”

“I wouldn’t even compare him directly with other professional drivers. From an outsider’s perspective, he comes across as very relatable to the community of amateur racers – the kind of people who are here purely because they love driving.

“While he brings all the skills and professionalism you’d expect from a pro, his genuine passion for the Nordschleife is what sets him apart. This race is defined by that unique mix of professionals and enthusiasts all coming together for the thrill of the experience.”

Verstappen seems to have found a second home at the Nürburgring, and Engel concluded: “Everyone who’s seen him in the paddock, just like any other driver here, can vouch for his down-to-earth nature. He doesn’t demand special treatment; he simply does what he does best. He’s one of many here who truly enjoy the adventure of racing in this legendary event.”

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Cadillac F1 star Valtteri Bottas has revealed an FBI investigation was launched after his car was stolen during the Miami Grand Prix weekend.

The 36-year-old was staying in an Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale during the race weekend, and on his What’s Next YouTube channel, Bottas revealed the theft in conversation with Paul Ripke.

First, Bottas established that he didn’t stay where the other drivers do when they visit Miami, instead preferring the more relaxed neighbourhood of Fort Lauderdale.

He explained: “So for the Miami Grand Prix, I used to stay in Miami. I’ve stayed in Miami and also South Beach, but Fort Lauderdale is the same or even less of a distance to the track. There’s a bit less traffic.

“That town is a bit more chill than Miami. I feel like it’s a bit more real. That’s why I stay in Fort Lauderdale. I prefer it to Miami. For me, Miami is a bit much.

“I got back Friday as normal. Drove our car to the driveway, had a quick dinner, early to bed. Car keys are inside the house. Car is locked.”

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Bottas had car stolen ahead of Miami Grand Prix

Bottas then revealed that when he woke up on the Saturday of the sprint and qualifying, the car had been stolen with his F1 paddock pass also taken with it.

He continued: “I woke up Saturday morning. I was in the shower about 15 minutes before leaving for the track. And then Paul Harris, who also stayed in the Airbnb, is calling me. And I’m like, ‘Hello? Why are you calling me? I’m like next door.’ He was like, ‘Oh, I was asking where did you go?’ I said, ‘What do you mean?’

“‘Well, the car is gone.’ So, I couldn’t believe it. I went outside, opened the door. The Escalade has vanished. Keys are still inside on the table. I can see them like, ‘What? What? How?’ So, our car got stolen from the driveway of our Airbnb.

“Obviously, I was going to be late to the track because we had to find another way of transport. But yeah, luckily they sent another Escalade, it took us to the track, and then I was like, ‘Oh, my paddock pass was in the car.’ I didn’t have a paddock pass. So anyway, I found a solution for that. FBI got involved. Full investigation.”

“He had all the opportunities for that day, get the VIP parking, walk to the paddock, sign in, go to the team. But no, the next day it was found dumped already somewhere in a dodgy area, in a high-crime area.

“So the police and FBI got involved just because of this reason what you mentioned. We had the parking pass, so somebody could have driven the car to the track. They had my pass, but they obviously weren’t interested in the F1 race.

“Apparently, they probably just did a crime with the car and dumped it. So, in my mind, it must have been like a getaway car or something, you know? Like, it’s sad that we lost the car, but it’s pretty cool.”

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