Laurent Mekies was amazed by Max Verstappen
Laurent Mekies was amazed by Max Verstappen - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
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Red Bull confirms 'successor' to Marko within its successful Junior Team

17:27, 15 Dec
Updated: 18:33, 15 Dec
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Following Helmut Marko’s departure, Guillaume 'Rocky' Rocquelin has become the primary point of contact for the Red Bull Junior Team, Red Bull Racing confirmed to GPblog.
For decades, Marko was the driving force behind the academy that produced stars such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. The Austrian oversaw talent scouting, managed signings, and maintained close relationships with junior teams.

Drivers left in the dark?

Talented drivers could always turn to Marko with questions, but following his departure, for them it was unclear who would now fill that role. GPblog has learned that in recent days, managers, family members, and the drivers themselves were unsure who within Red Bull should be contacted for matters relating to the Junior Team.
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Arvid Lindblad joins Racing Bulls for 2026 from the Red Bull Junior Team - Photo: Race Pictures
These months are crucial for Formula 1 teams’ development programmes. December and January are typically when decisions are made regarding which drivers stay in the Junior Team, which new talents are brought in, and which racing categories best suit each driver.

'Rocky' moving forward without Marko

Red Bull has now provided clarity to GPblog. Guillaume Rocquelin—affectionately known as ‘Rocky’—remains Head of the Driver Academy, but now takes on the role independently, without Marko by his side.
Rocquelin is a well-established figure within Red Bull Racing, having previously served as Sebastian Vettel’s race engineer.

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