Autohebdo July 15, 2026 – Interview with Helmut Marko
We often hear that racing was the only thing that mattered to him at that time. Is that true?
No, not at all. He knew what was going on in the world, he knew a lot about other sports, and that's still true today. I'm not a big football fan, but if I want to know something, I ask Max. His knowledge of football, and almost all sports, is incredible.
And your best memory outside the paddock with him?
Lots of things. I spent a few days with him in Dubai, and he was the one ordering the meals! He knows the local specialties, he knows which pasta is the best, it's incredible. He knows everything, he knows where to find the best food, the best place. And in other sports too, he knows who the best football coach is. There was a meeting between him and Mateschitz a few months before his death (October 22, 2022), and I let them talk, they were so engrossed in the subject. I didn't even know their names. Whatever he does, he does it perfectly.
Are you still in contact with him today? Do you still give him advice, do you comment on his races?
He's a four-time champion now, so he doesn't need any advice. We're in occasional contact, we talk from time to time. But when the car isn't competitive, we talk about our cats. Mine pees all over the house. He has one too, who does the same thing! (Laughs)
