Helmut Marko is leaving Red Bull, whose academy he has run for 25 years, following the conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The 82-year-old Austrian’s future at Red Bull was rumoured to be questioned in the Abu Dhabi paddock, despite his ongoing contract for 2026. Talks took place at Yas Marina Circuit on Monday between motorsport advisor Marko and Red Bull’s top management, including sporting CEO Oliver Mintzlaff.
“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 in a Red Bull press release. “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.”
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.”
Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull Motorsport Consultant, Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Patrik Lundin / Motorsport Images
The German praised Marko’s “passion”, “courage to make clear decisions” and “ability to spot potential”.
“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,” Mintzlaff continued. “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.”
A former F1 driver and Le Mans 24 Hours winner, before sustaining a career-ending eye injury in the 1972 French Grand Prix, Marko moved on to management when he founded the RSM Marko team that competed in the DTM, German Formula 3 and F3000.
The outfit was renamed Red Bull Junior Team in 1999 before becoming the brand’s actual driver development programme, which produced no fewer than 18 F1 racers under Marko’s watch – including four-time world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, though the latter was a late addition to the academy before his F1 debut.
“Thank you, Helmut,” Verstappen posted on social media. “We’ve achieved everything we ever dreamed of together. I’m forever grateful for your belief in me.”
Since 2005, Marko has also acted as an advisor to the brand’s F1 activities, including the Red Bull team in Milton Keynes and the Faenza-based Racing Bulls outfit, which was initially christened Toro Rosso.
As Marko worked alongside former team principal Christian Horner, the main squad won eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ crowns.
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