Helmut Marko calls it quits after 20 years with Red Bull
Red Bull’s long-time motorsport advisor Helmut Marko is stepping away from Formula 1 after two decades with the team.
The timing couldn’t be more dramatic – just days after Max Verstappen narrowly lost the World Championship to Lando Norris by a mere two points in Abu Dhabi.
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s Managing Director, expressed his regret about Marko’s decision to leave.
“Helmut approached me with the wish to end his role as motorsport advisor at the end of the year,” Mintzlaff said. “I deeply regret his decision, as he has been an influential figure for more than two decades.”
The 82-year-old Marko has been the backbone of Red Bull’s racing success since they entered F1 in 2005.
His eye for talent is legendary.
Under his guidance, Red Bull’s young driver program has produced 17 Formula 1 drivers, including superstar Max Verstappen.
“His instinct for exceptional talent not only shaped our junior program but also left a lasting impact on Formula 1 as a whole,” Mintzlaff explained. “Names like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen stand for the many drivers who were discovered, supported, and guided to the very top under his leadership.”
## The end of an era
Marko’s contributions to Red Bull are nothing short of remarkable. During his tenure, the team has claimed 6 Constructors’ Championships and 8 Drivers’ Championships.
They’ve racked up 130 wins and stood on the podium 233 times.
“Over more than 20 years, Helmut has earned incomparable merits for our team and the entire Red Bull motorsport family,” said Mintzlaff. “He played a decisive role in all key strategic decisions that made Red Bull Racing what it is today: a multiple world champion, an engine of innovation, and a cornerstone of international motorsport.”
It seems the narrow miss of the 2025 drivers’ title felt like the right moment for Marko to bow out.
“After a long and intensive conversation, I knew I had to respect his wishes, as I gained the impression that the timing felt right for him to take this step,” Mintzlaff added.
The relationship between Marko and Verstappen has been particularly close throughout the Dutch driver’s career.
“Helmut Marko will be deeply missed—both personally and professionally. We wish him all the very best for the future and hope that he will remain closely and warmly connected to the team.”
It’s hard to imagine Red Bull without Marko’s influence. His passion, decisive decision-making, and talent-spotting abilities have helped transform what was once an energy drink company into an F1 powerhouse.
Who will fill his shoes remains to be seen.
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