Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko has announced he will step down from the team at the end of 2025, marking the conclusion of a remarkable 20-year tenure that helped shape Red Bull Racing into one of Formula 1’s most dominant teams.
A Legendary Career at Red Bull
The 82-year-old Austrian has been a central figure in Red Bull’s success since the team’s inception in 2005. Under his guidance, Red Bull has won six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles, cementing its status as a powerhouse in Formula 1.
Marko, a former F1 driver and Le Mans winner, played a key role in developing 20 drivers, most notably Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, both of whom became multiple world champions under his mentorship. His keen eye for talent has left a lasting mark on the sport.
“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.”
Red Bull’s Statement on Marko’s Departure
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO of corporate projects and investments, expressed regret over Marko’s departure, describing it as the end of an “extraordinary era.”
“Over more than 20 years, Helmut has earned incomparable merits for our team and the entire Red Bull motorsport family. He played a decisive role in all key strategic decisions that made Red Bull Racing what it is today: a multiple world champion, an engine of innovation, and a cornerstone of international motorsport.”
Mintzlaff praised Marko’s talent-spotting abilities, highlighting his crucial role in shaping Red Bull’s junior programme and Formula 1 as a whole.
“Names like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen stand for the many drivers who were discovered, supported, and guided to the very top under his leadership. His passion, his courage to make clear decisions, and his ability to spot potential will remain unforgettable.”
Verstappen and the Power Struggle
Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s star driver, has reportedly spoken to Marko and expressed support, acknowledging the emotional impact of his departure but accepting that it is the right time for Marko to move on.
Sources indicate that Marko’s decision was influenced by internal changes following Christian Horner’s departure as team principal in July 2025. Marko reportedly felt his control over driver decisions and the Red Bull programme had diminished, exemplified by his signing of Irish driver Alex Dunne against the wishes of Mintzlaff and Laurent Mekies.
Controversies and Challenges
Marko’s career has not been without controversy. He faced criticism for comments attributing Sergio Perez’s inconsistent 2023 form to ethnicity, for which he later apologised. Despite these incidents, his influence on Red Bull Racing’s rise to the top of Formula 1 is undisputed.
His tenure included overseeing Vettel and Verstappen winning four consecutive Drivers’ Championships each, and steering Red Bull to numerous pole positions and race victories.
Legacy and Impact
Helmut Marko leaves behind a legacy as one of Formula 1’s most influential advisers, renowned for his talent identification, strategic acumen, and role in shaping Red Bull Racing’s championship-winning era. His departure signals the end of a pivotal chapter in the team’s history and the broader world of Formula 1.
“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,” Marko said.
Key Takeaways
- Helmut Marko to leave Red Bull after 20 years in 2025.
- Integral in developing Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
- Oversaw six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles.
- Departure influenced by internal changes after Christian Horner’s exit.
- Career marked by both talent-spotting success and controversies.
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