Helmut Marko’s Departure from Red Bull: A Look Back at a Turbulent Year
As the 2025 Formula 1 season comes to a close, Red Bull is bidding farewell to a key figure in its motorsport division: Helmut Marko. The Austrian advisor, who has been with the team for 20 years, believes that Max Verstappen would have won the world championship if former team principal Christian Horner had left the team earlier in the season. In an interview with Dutch publication De Limburger, Marko reflected on the tumultuous year that was, marked by power struggles, controversy, and ultimately, a change in leadership.
Red Bull confirmed Marko’s departure last week, following a season that saw Horner sacked in July and Verstappen narrowly miss out on the drivers’ title by just two points. The relationship between Marko and Horner was often described as fractious, with the two clashing on numerous occasions. However, Marko rejected the notion that their relationship was personal, stating that it was simply a matter of differing opinions on how to run the team.
A Power Struggle and a Change in Leadership
Marko claimed that Horner began to consolidate power within the team following the death of Red Bull’s co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022. According to Marko, Horner strengthened his relationship with Thai co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya, which ultimately led to a power struggle between the two. Marko stated that he worked to counterbalance Horner’s influence on behalf of Red Bull’s headquarters in Austria, where the team’s decision-making power had traditionally resided.
Marko also alleged that Horner played “dirty tricks” in the final years of their time at the team, including attempting to use fabricated quotes to have Marko suspended. The Austrian advisor referenced comments he made about Sergio Perez’s ethnicity, which he claimed were taken out of context and used against him. Marko apologized for the remarks at the time, but now suggests that they were part of a larger campaign to undermine his authority within the team.
A New Era for Red Bull
As Marko departs the team, he leaves behind a legacy that includes numerous championships and a reputation as one of the most successful advisors in Formula 1. While his relationship with Horner was often contentious, Marko’s dedication to the team and its drivers is undeniable. In his final interview with De Limburger, Marko expressed his disappointment at Verstappen’s narrow miss of the championship, stating that he believes the young driver would have won if Horner had left the team earlier.
As Red Bull looks to the future, the team will undoubtedly face challenges in replacing Marko’s expertise and experience. However, with a talented driver lineup and a strong technical team, the Austrian outfit is well-positioned to continue competing at the highest level. For Marko, the decision to leave the team was not taken lightly, but he believes it is time for him to move on. As he reflected on his 20 years with Red Bull, Marko stated that he is proud of what the team has achieved, but acknowledges that the time has come for a change.
