Daijiworld Media Network - Vienna
Vienna, Dec 9: Red Bull’s veteran motorsport advisor Helmut Marko is reportedly set to leave the team at the end of this year, marking the end of a two-decade partnership that played a central role in shaping the team’s Formula One success. Marko, who has been part of Red Bull’s racing structure since 2005, worked closely with both the main F1 outfit and its junior team—now Racing Bulls, formerly Toro Rosso—guiding their driver development and competitive strategy.
Despite his contract running until 2026, the 82-year-old Austrian indicated after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that he was still weighing his future in the sport. However, sources suggest the final call may no longer rest with him, as Red Bull’s Austrian headquarters has moved toward restructuring its leadership model this year. His exit, therefore, appears imminent.
Marko has been a towering presence inside the team’s racing programme, particularly due to his long-standing influence on reigning world champion Max Verstappen. He played a key role last year when Verstappen’s future seemed uncertain amid allegations against team principal Christian Horner, which were later dismissed. His role in creating and supervising Red Bull’s famously tough junior driver programme also shaped several F1 careers, reinforcing the team’s reputation for bold decisions and high-pressure performance.
Within Red Bull, shifting dynamics have accelerated the conversation around succession planning. The company has strengthened its oversight in recent months, signalling a broader realignment that may not include Marko’s continued involvement. The advisor has previously acknowledged that seeing Verstappen win a fifth world title would be his ideal farewell, while also hinting that he has considered retirement for years, especially once Verstappen eventually steps away from racing.
Marko’s legacy is deeply connected to Verstappen’s rise. He was instrumental in bringing the Dutch teenager into Formula One in 2015, even when Mercedes preferred that Verstappen spend a season in GP2. The reigning champion has consistently backed Marko, notably during internal tensions last year when the advisor’s future was questioned. His influence has been central to Red Bull’s championship-winning identity and to Verstappen’s rapid ascent.
As Red Bull enters a new era of restructuring and long-term planning, Marko’s departure underscores the end of one of Formula One’s most influential partnerships. His imprint on the team, its drivers and its competitive ethos will remain long after the formal announcement is made.