Marko puts money in eerie AI project allowing people to speak after death

The former Red Bull advisor has invested in Lebensstimmen, which operates internationally under the name Words That Remain. Rather than simply storing recordings, the company wants to create a system that allows people to leave behind messages for specific individuals, with instructions determining when those messages should be delivered.

The initiative was officially unveiled in Vienna on 20 October, where Marko joined the founders and cathedral priest Toni Faber for a press conference introducing the concept.

Among the features being developed is the use of AI-generated avatars capable of delivering messages recorded or prepared before someone's death. This could make it possible for a deceased person to address family members and friends during their funeral, using technology to recreate their presence.

However, the company's ambitions extend beyond funeral ceremonies. Its platform is intended to help preserve personal memories and allow future generations to receive messages from relatives who are no longer alive.

Users would be able to decide who can access their messages and establish the circumstances under which they become available. The developers are also working on legal and technical protections surrounding the handling of such sensitive material.

Marko's financial involvement represents another step in the project's development, although the size of his investment remains unknown. Lebensstimmen is currently working towards an international launch during the first three months of 2027.

The 83-year-old former racing driver, who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1971, believes the project has the potential to reach an international audience. He also drew parallels between the use of emerging technologies and the constant pursuit of innovation in motorsport.

"This project is using very new technology, mainly AI. So it offers a very unique opportunity for the last will, and also the possibility that the one who died speaks personally at his funeral," Marko explained.

Marko also recently made headlines following the publication of former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner's autobiography, Drive. The Austrian strongly rejected several allegations made about him in the book, describing them as a collection of untruths. Among the claims he disputed was Horner's suggestion that Marko failed to offer condolences following the death of Beverley Allen, the mother of Horner's daughter. Marko insisted that he sent his condolences in writing.

The former Red Bull advisor also questioned the timing of the book's release on 22 October, which marked the fourth anniversary of the death of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz. Marko said he found the situation incomprehensible, further exposing the tensions between the two former colleagues following Horner's departure from the team.