Helmut Marko to Step Down as Red Bull Racing’s Motorsport Advisor
Red Bull Racing’s longtime motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, has announced that he will be stepping down from his role at the end of 2025. The news was confirmed by Red Bull on Tuesday, just two days after Max Verstappen missed out on a fifth consecutive title to McLaren driver Lando Norris.
Marko, 82, has been a key figure in Red Bull’s development of young drivers, even before the brand owned an F1 team. He was a close friend of Red Bull co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz, who passed away in 2022. Marko has been instrumental in the careers of several Red Bull drivers, including four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and current driver Max Verstappen, whom he signed to a Red Bull driver contract in 2014.
With a career spanning over six decades, Marko has had an extraordinary and successful journey in motorsport. “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 in a statement. “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.”
Marko’s decision to step down comes after a power struggle with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who was sacked by the team in July. Red Bull’s CEO of corporate projects and investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, expressed his regret over Marko’s decision, stating that he has been an influential figure for over two decades and his departure marks the end of an extraordinary era.
Legacy and Impact
Marko’s legacy at Red Bull is undeniable, having played a decisive role in all key strategic decisions that made Red Bull Racing what it is today: a multiple world champion, an engine of innovation, and a cornerstone of international motorsport. His influence on the young driver programme was significant, and his departure will leave a significant gap.
Despite being a controversial figure within Red Bull’s structure, Marko’s comments have often been at odds with the team’s official position. However, his expertise and experience have been invaluable to the team, and his contributions will be deeply missed. As Mintzlaff stated, “Helmut Marko will be deeply missed — both personally and professionally. We wish him all the very best for the future and hope that he will remain closely and warmly connected to the team.”
Marko’s decision to step down marks the end of an era for Red Bull Racing, but the team is confident that they will continue to fight for both world championship titles again next year. With a new chapter ahead, Red Bull will look to build on the success and legacy that Marko has helped establish.
