F1 fans agree Helmut Marko's Red Bull exit timing is right
A fan poll shows most F1 supporters believe the end of 2025 is the right time for Helmut Marko to leave Red Bull, with over half agreeing with the timing. A significant minority think he should have left sooner, while only 14% disagree with his departure.
A majority of Formula 1 fans believe the conclusion of the 2025 season was the correct moment for Helmut Marko to end his long tenure with the Red Bull organization, according to a recent poll. The 81-year-old advisor, a foundational figure since the team's 2005 debut, will depart at year's end, marking the close of a significant chapter for the reigning champions.
Why it matters:
Marko's influence extends far beyond his official title. He was the architect of Red Bull's famed junior driver program, directly responsible for bringing future stars like Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, and Carlos Sainz into the sport. His departure signals a major shift in the team's internal dynamics and leadership structure as it prepares for a future without one of its key pillars.
The details:
The fan poll, conducted by RacingNews365, presented a clear verdict on the timing of his exit.
- Majority Approval: Over half of the respondents agreed that the end of the 2025 season was the right time for Marko to leave the team.
- A Vocal Minority: Just over one-third of voters believed the change should have happened even sooner, suggesting a portion of the fanbase felt his role had already run its course.
- Minority Dissent: Only 14% of fans disagreed with the move entirely, believing Marko still had a positive and valuable role to play within Red Bull.
The big picture:
Marko's exit is part of a broader period of transition for Red Bull. His unique role, straddling driver development, scouting, and high-level advisory, leaves a complex void to fill. The team's success has been built on a blend of cutting-edge engineering and a ruthless driver development system that Marko personified. Moving forward, Red Bull must successfully redistribute these responsibilities to maintain its competitive edge in both the short and long term.
What's next:
All eyes will be on how Red Bull manages this transition. The focus will be on who, if anyone, assumes the responsibilities of the junior program and driver management. Furthermore, his departure may alter the internal balance and decision-making process within the team's leadership. The true test will be whether Red Bull can sustain its championship-winning form without one of its most iconic and influential figures.