F1: Marko Leaves Red Bull – Verstappen Impact?

The farewell of Max Verstappen’s long-time supporter Helmut Marko from the Red Bull Formula 1 team is a done deal. The 82-year-old and the team announced the withdrawal of the motorsport consultant two days after the season finale in Abu Dhabi. “I was very moved by narrowly missing out on the World Cup this season and made it clear to me that the right moment has now come for me personally to end this very long, intense and successful chapter,” the Austrian was quoted as saying.

For 20 years, Marko was a defining figure in the racing team’s rise to one of the industry leaders in Formula 1. The former confidant of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who died in 2022, also promoted the career of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, among other things. According to his own statements, the former racing driver worked in motorsport for six decades. “It was a wonderful time that I was able to help shape and share with so many talented people,” said Marko.

Speculation about Vettel as a successor

Four-time champion Verstappen maintained a close relationship of trust with Marko and, after his narrow defeat in the title race against Briton Lando Norris from McLaren, said that he hoped his companion would stay. “We have achieved everything we dreamed of together. I am forever grateful to you for believing in me,” wrote the 28-year-old Dutchman on Instagram.

Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said he deeply regrets the motorsport consultant’s departure. “His instinct for exceptional talent not only shaped our youth sector, but also had a lasting influence on the entire Formula 1,” said Mintzlaff. After a long conversation, he agreed to Marko’s request to withdraw.

According to media reports, Red Bull is not planning to fill Marko’s role. Accordingly, speculation that PS pensioner Vettel (38) could return to his former employer as a consultant would also be unfounded.