F1
Helmut Marko officially leaves Red Bull
© DPPI
This is the end of a story that began more than twenty years ago. A key figure in the adventure. Red Bull en Formula 1Helmut Marko is leaving the Austrian team, as expected in recent hours. The Austrian held an advisory role with broad powers, which notably allowed him to manage the team's young drivers.
An exceptional talent scout, Marko was responsible for the emergence of Red Bull's two four-time world champions: Sebastian Vettel et Max VerstappenAlso to his credit are Grand Prix winners such as Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz ou Pierre Gasly, as well as a good number of drivers with varying lengths of experience in Formula 1 (Kvyat, AlbonHadjar, Lawson, tsunoda...).
“I have been involved in motorsport for six decades, and the last twenty years at Red Bull have been an extraordinary and successful adventure,” explains Helmut Marko. "It was a wonderful time that I was fortunate enough to help shape and share with so many talented people. Everything we built and accomplished together fills me with pride."
"Narrowly missing out on the world championship this season deeply affected me and made me realize that the time had come for me to bring this very long, intense and successful chapter to a close." continues the Austrian, who celebrated his 82nd birthday this year. "I wish the entire team continued success and I am confident that they will fight for both world championship titles again next year."
Marko leaves after 20 years of success
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Red Bull and successor to Dietrich Mateschitz, who had recruited his friend Marko, did not fail to praise the Austrian's career. “Helmut informed me of his wish to end his role as a motorsport advisor at the end of the year. I deeply regret his decision, as he has been an influential figure for over two decades, and his departure marks the end of an extraordinary era.” After a long and intense conversation, I knew I had to respect his choice, as I felt the time was right for him to take this step. While his departure will leave a big void, our respect for his decision and our gratitude for everything he has achieved for Red Bull Racing far outweigh it.
Helmut Marko began his motorsport career as a driver, which led him to victory in the 24 Hours of Le MansThe Austrian also competed in nine Formula 1 Grands Prix, including his first in 1970 at the Österreichring, the same day that a certain Niki Lauda made his debut. Helmut Marko shared his passion for motorsport with his childhood friend Jochen Rindt, who posthumously became world champion in 1970 after losing his life in a racing accident.
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
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Lucas Paul
10/12/2025 at 11:55 a.m.
Well, good riddance to F1! This gentleman didn't know how to behave like a gentleman, so he had no business in F1. But he understood that with Honda's departure and Ford's "wonderful" arrival as engine supplier, it was all over. :) :) :)
Ben
10/12/2025 at 08:05 a.m.
H. Marko's greatest achievement remains the speed with which he overtook Mercedes after Max's demonstration at the Norisring (shortly after another hat trick at Spa), bringing him into the RB fold.
vincent moyet
09/12/2025 at 08:09 a.m.
For a talent scout, he still let a few drivers slip through his fingers who could secure Red Bull's future if Verstappen leaves, but who went on to succeed elsewhere and proved they were perfectly capable of playing in F1. Verstappen (and his entourage) managed to create a void around them. Next year will show whether the team can rebuild around him or if, by leaving the team himself, he will leave behind only this huge void and a compromised future.
Checkered flag
09/12/2025 at 05:53 a.m.
Good riddance
Yves-Henri RANDIER
09/12/2025 at 04:44 a.m.
Departure of his own accord, according to Red Bull's official statement! Two things are certain: firstly, this good Doctor Helmooooout has more than enough quarters of service, and secondly, a new chapter is opening at Red Bull Racing without all those (and the list is very long!) who contributed to this incredible track record for an energy drink manufacturer!
ciarc
09/12/2025 at 04:25 a.m.
Funny, in some media outlets, his departure is described more as a forced exit due to decisions made without consultation, and his comments about Kimi Antonelli... Which doesn't diminish his extraordinary career
Alain Féguenne (🇱🇺 Luxembourg)
09/12/2025 at 04:17 a.m.
Thank you Helmut… for all the work you've done… at RBR! 👏👏👏🧢. alainkf1@pt.lu 😎👍👍👍👏🇦🇹