Helmut Marko may not return to Red Bull Racing for next season

The final Grand Prix of the 2025 season has only just concluded, yet attention is already shifting towards 2026. Speaking to De Telegraaf after the Abu Dhabi race, Helmut Marko admitted that his future with the Austrian team remains uncertain.

“Will you see me back next year? Well, we will have internal discussions and we’re in no rush. In the years of team founder Dietrich Mateschitz, I didn’t even have a contract. For me, it’s important that I feel comfortable,” the Red Bull advisor said.

Marko still has a contract with Red Bull through 2026. In any case the 82-year-old does not return next season, his contract would be terminated early. Recently, several key changes were made at the Austrian team, including the dismissal of Christian Horner and the appointment of Laurent Mekies.

Max Verstappen missed out on the world title in Abu Dhabi by two points. After the final race of the season, Marko told GPblog that the Austrian team is proud of the turnaround it has achieved since the summer break, but that it’s a shame the gap is only two points.

Verstappen himself was not overly disappointed after missing out on his fifth world title. The Red Bull Racing driver stated that the team can be very proud of its performances in the second half of the season.

With the Formula 1 season concluded, GPblog’s paddock update is the best place to be. Catch up with all the action in the aftermath of the drivers’ championship decider in Abu Dhabi.

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