After years of loyal service, Helmut Marko is on his way out at Red Bull Racing

21:21, 08 Dec 2025

Updated: 16:26, 09 Dec 2025

byLudo van Denderen

Helmut Marko appears to be on his way out at Red Bull Racing. Various media have already reported that the advisor is most surely leaving, but GPblog understands that the final decision has (not yet) been made. However, the likelihood that this will ultimately happen is very high.

A farewell to the man who brought Max Verstappen into Formula 1 now seems very close. In a conversation with Oliver Mintzlaff, managing director at Red Bull GmbH, it was discussed this Monday in Abu Dhabi that it would be better if the 82-year-old Austrian took a step back.

Reportedly, after the earlier departure of former team boss Christian Horner, Mintzlaff wants to make a fresh start with Red Bull Racing. Moreover, Red Bull GmbH wants to have more control over the goings-on of the F1 teams.

marko-max verstappen-qatar-red bull content pool-jpeg

Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Marko hinted at possible departure after the Grand Prix

Right after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Austrian said he was still considering continuing as an advisor to both Red Bull Formula 1 teams. Although Red Bull Racing’s advisor still has a contract through 2026, he says he first needs to comfortable, if he is to remain active in the sport.

It does seem, however, that the decision about staying with the team he helped build is not solely up to Marko. From headquarters, the decision about the Austrian’s future appears to have been made.

In the coming days, more clarity will likely emerge about developments at Red Bull, but it seems certain that the end of an era is near.

Mekies' short response to Marko's F1 retirement ponderations

Red Bull team boss, Laurent Mekies, praised Helmut Marko for his role in helping Red Bull navigate a difficult mid-season and make key decisions. These comments come as the 82-year-old Austrian brought up the matter of his F1 retirement following Max Verstappen's lost Drivers' title in Abu Dhabi. Read the full story here.

Update: Marko officially leaves Red Bull

Just two days after the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Red Bull officially announced that Helmut Marko would be leaving the Austrian team after 20 years.

The 82-year-old stated: "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."

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