Red Bull F1 Chief Expresses Sadness as Helmut Marko’s Departure Sends Shockwaves Through the Team
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has voiced deep disappointment and emotion following the announcement that long-serving Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko will leave the organisation at the end of the season. Marko’s exit marks the conclusion of a monumental era for the team—one defined by unprecedented success, bold decision-making, and a guiding philosophy that shaped Red Bull’s identity in modern Formula 1.
Marko, aged 82, has been a central figure at Red Bull for more than two decades. His influence stretches far beyond the pit wall: he helped mastermind six constructors’ championships and eight drivers’ titles, while also pushing forward the development of Red Bull’s wider motorsport projects. Marko’s legacy includes discovering and nurturing some of the most talented drivers on the grid, from Sebastian Vettel to Max Verstappen.
Mekies, who stepped into the team principal role earlier this year following Christian Horner’s departure, did not hide his feelings when reflecting on Marko’s decision. He described the news as “very sad” and emphasized the magnitude of the void Marko leaves behind.
“It is very sad news that Helmut is leaving us,” Mekies said. “He has been such an integral part of our team and of Red Bull’s entire motor racing programme for more than two decades. This is the end of a remarkably successful chapter. His departure will leave a void, and we will truly miss him.”
Mekies went beyond professional compliments, offering gratitude for the personal support and mentorship he received from Marko throughout his career. He recalled Marko’s influence during his early years at Scuderia Toro Rosso and highlighted how Marko and Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff played a vital role in bringing him back to the Red Bull organisation both in Faenza and later at Milton Keynes.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for his unwavering support, not only over the past months, but also during my early days at Scuderia Toro Rosso,” he said. “On a personal note, Helmut, along with Oliver Mintzlaff, was the driving force behind bringing me back into the Red Bull family. First in Faenza, and then this summer in my current role. Helmut is a real racer at heart—always pushing us to the limit, always willing to take risks in pursuit of our goals.”
Marko’s departure comes at a time when Red Bull experienced an unusually challenging season. Although the team remained competitive, losing the drivers’ world championship by a narrow margin—particularly painful for a team used to dominating—added emotional weight to Marko’s decision. Despite the disappointment, Marko insists the timing is right.
Reflecting in his farewell statement, Marko looked back with pride, gratitude, and a sense of completion. “I have been involved in motorsport for six decades now, and the past 20-plus years at Red Bull have been an extraordinary and extremely successful journey,” he said. “It has been a wonderful time that I have been able to help shape and share with so many talented people. Everything we have built and achieved together fills me with pride.”
He admitted that narrowly missing the championship this season deeply affected him, ultimately helping him realise that this was the correct moment to close his chapter at Red Bull. “Narrowly missing out on the world championship this season has moved me deeply and made it clear to me that now is the right moment for me personally to end this very long, intense, and successful chapter.
“I wish the entire team continued success and am convinced that they will be fighting for both world championship titles again next year.”
Marko’s departure signals a major transition for Red Bull—one that may reshape how the team approaches driver development, long-term strategy, and internal leadership dynamics. While the team remains confident in its ability to remain competitive, there is no denying that Marko’s influence was unique. His character, sharp judgement, and willingness to take bold risks helped transform Red Bull from a newcomer team into a global F1 powerhouse.
As the season ends and a new chapter begins, Red Bull faces the challenge of maintaining its momentum while redefining itself without one of its founding pillars. For Mekies and the entire team, the mission continues, but the absence of Helmut Marko will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
