Helmut Marko Issues Emotional Statement as Red Bull Confirms his Exit.
Helmut Marko has spoken publicly after Red Bull officially announced that he will be stepping away from his long-standing position as senior adviser, marking the end of one of the most influential eras in modern Formula 1. The Austrian veteran, who has been a central figure in Red Bull’s motorsport activities for more than two decades, expressed deep pride and emotion as he reflected on his journey with the team.
Red Bull GmbH revealed the news that Marko would be leaving his role, bringing an end to a partnership that has shaped the careers of some of the greatest drivers in the sport. Marko’s statement acknowledged not only the team’s extraordinary achievements, but also the personal impact the 2025 Formula 1 season had on him, especially Max Verstappen’s heartbreaking loss of the championship to McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Marko, who made nine Formula 1 starts in the early 1970s before his driving career was cut short due to injury, also cemented his legacy by winning the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1971. His transition from driver to management became one of the most notable success stories in motorsport. Under his leadership, Red Bull built a driver development program that reshaped the Formula 1 grid and produced two of the sport’s biggest stars: four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
Throughout his tenure, Marko was known for his sharp eye for young talent, his uncompromising approach, and a philosophy that championed speed, discipline, and mental toughness. He became the architect behind Red Bull’s junior talent pipeline, selecting and nurturing drivers who would go on to dominate the sport. His efforts helped transform Red Bull Racing from a marketing experiment into one of the most successful teams in Formula 1 history.
In the official statement announcing his departure, Marko revealed that the intensity of the 2025 championship battle deeply affected him. Verstappen, the driver he discovered and supported from age 16, missed the world title by a narrow margin — a defeat that Marko said struck him emotionally and ultimately contributed to his decision to step aside.
He stated:
“I have been involved in motorsport for six decades now, and the last 20-plus years at Red Bull have been an extraordinary and extremely successful journey. It has been a wonderful period that I have been privileged to help build and share with so many talented individuals. Everything we have created and achieved together is something that fills me with immense pride.”
Marko continued by reflecting on the dramatic conclusion to the 2025 season:
“Narrowly missing out on the world championship this year moved me deeply and made me realise that now is the right moment for me personally to bring this very long, intense, and incredible chapter to an end.”
His words underscore both the emotional weight of the season’s finale and the significance of his departure. For someone who has dedicated the majority of his life to racing, the decision to leave came after a moment of clarity — one shaped by the high-pressure battle between Verstappen and Norris.
During Marko’s time with the team, Red Bull rose from midfield newcomers to multiple-time constructors’ champions, claiming titles with Sebastian Vettel from 2010 to 2013 and later with Max Verstappen from 2021 onward. The Austrian was deeply involved in all major decisions, from driver promotion to long-term strategy. His influence could be felt in every layer of the organisation, particularly the aggressive approach Red Bull adopted toward young drivers.
Beyond championships and race wins, Marko’s legacy is defined by his conviction that youth can deliver excellence. Drivers such as Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda, and Alex Albon all passed through programs he oversaw. Not every journey was smooth, and Marko was often criticised for his hard-line standards, yet his results spoke for themselves: Red Bull produced more elite-level drivers than any other team in the modern era.
As he steps away, the future of Red Bull’s driver development program and overall team direction may inevitably shift. His absence leaves a significant gap, not only in expertise but in personality. Few figures in Formula 1 are as straightforward, fearless, and fiercely committed to performance as Helmut Marko.
For Marko, however, this moment represents closure. After six decades dedicated to the sport — as a driver, winner, mentor, strategist, and leader — he departs with a legacy that will endure for generations. And although the 2025 title slipped through Red Bull’s fingers, his pride in the team’s accomplishments remains unwavering.
His chapter at Red Bull may be ending, but his impact on Formula 1 is permanent.
