Red Bull has announced that long-standing advisor Helmut Marko is to step down from his role with the Formula 1 team now that the 2025 campaign has concluded.
Marko’s relationship with Red Bull officially began back in 1999, when his RSM Marko squad – which competed in Formula 3000 – became the Red Bull Junior Team.
Two years later, Marko was entrusted to head up its European driver development programme, during which time he discovered a multitude of talented young drivers.
Marko signed up Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, who both developed into quadruple World Champions, along with several other multiple-time F1 race winners.
But with Verstappen ending up two points short in this season’s title contest against the McLaren drivers, the Austrian has decided the time is now right to step down.
“I have been involved in motorsport for six decades now, and the past 20-plus years at Red Bull have been an extraordinary and extremely successful journey,” Marko said.
“It has been a wonderful time that I have been able to help shape and share with so many talented people. Everything we have built and achieved together fills me with pride.
“Narrowly missing out on the World Championship this season has moved me deeply and made it clear to me that now is the right moment for me personally to end this very long, intense, and successful chapter.
“I wish the entire team continued success and am convinced that they will be fighting for both World Championship titles again next year.”
Red Bull CEO expresses ‘regret’ at Marko departure
Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff revealed his “regret” when he was told about Marko’s desire, as he praised the veteran’s “passion” and “courage to make clear decisions”.
Mintzlaff added: “Helmut approached me with the wish to end his role as motorsport advisor at the end of the year.
“I deeply regret his decision, as he has been an influential figure for more than two decades, and his departure marks the end of an extraordinary era.
“After a long and intensive conversation, I knew that I had to respect his wishes, as I gained the impression that the timing felt right for him to take this step.
“Even though his departure will leave a significant gap, our respect for his decision and our gratitude for everything he has done for Red Bull Racing outweigh it.”
READ MORE – Red Bull explains why it chose not to back up McLarens in F1 Abu Dhabi GP
Discussion about this post