Helmut Marko Steps Down from Red Bull Role

Red Bull have confirmed that long-time Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko will step down from his role at the end of the year, bringing an end to one of the most influential careers in modern Formula 1.

Marko has been central to the Red Bull Junior Programme for more than two decades, guiding driver development and advising on promotions to both Racing Bulls and the senior Red Bull team. During his tenure, 20 drivers progressed to Formula 1 under his oversight including Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, who together delivered eight world championships for the team. The most recent graduate, Arvid Lindblad, will join Racing Bulls in 2026.

Marko’s departure comes six months after Team Principal Christian Horner exited the organisation following the conclusion of the 2025 season.

“It is very sad news that Helmut is leaving us,” said Team Principal Laurent Mekies. “He has been an integral part of our team and Red Bull’s wider motorsport programme for more than 20 years. His departure marks the end of an incredibly successful chapter, and he will be truly missed.”

Mekies credited Marko for supporting his early career at Scuderia Toro Rosso and for playing a key role, alongside Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, in bringing him back into the organisation.

“Helmut is a racer at heart,” he added. “Always pushing us to the limit, always ready to take risks to achieve our goals.”

Marko reflected on the decision with pride and emotion.

“I have been involved in motorsport for six decades, and the past 20-plus years at Red Bull have been extraordinary,” he said.

“We narrowly missed out on the World Championship this season, and it made it clear to me that now is the right moment to bring this long, intense, and successful chapter to a close. I wish the team continued success, and I am sure they will fight for both titles again next year.”

Mintzlaff paid tribute to Marko’s legacy, calling his impact “incomparable.”

“Helmut approached me with his wish to step back at the end of the year, and while I deeply regret his decision, I respect it,” he said. “He has shaped every major strategic decision that made Red Bull Racing what it is today: a multiple world champion and an innovation leader in motorsport.”

He highlighted Marko’s unmatched instinct for talent, responsible for discovering and moulding stars such as Vettel and Verstappen.

“His passion, decisiveness, and ability to recognise potential have left a lasting imprint on Formula 1,” Mintzlaff continued. “Helmut Marko will be deeply missed, both personally and professionally. We wish him the very best and hope he remains closely connected to the team.”

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