ABU DHABI – Influential advisor Helmut Marko ended up in the Formula 1 Red Bull stable. The team announced the departure of the eighty-two-year-old Austrian, who had worked in the stable since her debut in the series in 2005, on social networks.
“I’ve been involved in motorsport for sixty years, twenty of which I spent at Red Bull, with whom it was an exceptionally successful journey,” said Marko.
“Sunday’s final Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi accelerated my decision. We missed the title by two points and I said to myself that the time had come to end a long, intense and successful chapter. I wish the Red Bull team only the best and I am convinced that they will fight for the championship in the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Cups in 2026.” he added.
“Helmut’s departure is very sad news for us. He was an integral part of our entire program for two decades. This is the end of an incredibly successful era,” said stable boss Laurent Mekies.
Marko decided to quit despite the fact that he still had a contract with Red Bull for the next year. During his tenure, the team won the Constructors’ Cup six times and its pilots won eight world championship titles.
20 Years, 417 Races, 6 Constructors’ Championships, 8 Drivers’ Championships.
Thank you, Helmut pic.twitter.com/svFn8TTJc7
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) December 9, 2025
Former F1 driver Marko has also led Red Bull’s junior program, which has produced 18 F1 drivers, including four-time world champions Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Max Verstappen.
Although the Dutch pilot won the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, he did not add a fifth title and finished second in the final championship standings by two points behind Briton Lando Norris from McLaren.
It was at Monday’s meeting in the United Arab Emirates that Marko’s departure from Red Bull was decided. “Helmut came to me that he wants to quit. We discussed it for a long time, but we have to respect his wish and thank him for everything he has done for Red Bull.” said team CEO Oliver Mintzlaff.
- Author: © List/
- X/Oracle Red Bull Racing
- Source: ČTK, TASR
