Helmut Marko reveals why he's leaving Red Bull after 25 years

Helmut Marko has announced his departure from Red Bull's Formula 1 project at the end of the year, citing the emotional toll of Max Verstappen's narrow 2025 championship loss as a key factor. The 82-year-old Austrian, a pivotal figure in Red Bull's rise to dominance, felt a profound sense of loss after the season's bitter conclusion and decided it was the right time to step away.

Why it matters:

Marko's exit marks the end of an era for Red Bull Racing. As the architect of the team's driver development program and a close advisor for nearly two decades, his departure removes a central pillar of the organization's success. His decision, driven by personal sentiment rather than corporate pressure, signals a significant shift in the team's leadership dynamics as it prepares for the 2026 regulation changes.

The details:

• Marko confirmed the decision was his own, made in Dubai the Monday after the 2025 season finale where Verstappen lost the title to McLaren's Lando Norris by just two points.
• He described the season as "particularly bumpy," referencing a 104-point deficit mid-season before a "unique" comeback that ultimately fell short.
• A Personal Feeling: Marko stated, "Even after the race, I felt that something had been lost." This sentiment, coupled with the impending 2026 regulation reset, solidified his choice to leave.
• The Conversation: He informed Red Bull's managing director, Oliver Mintzlaff, directly in Dubai. The discussion was amicable, and they agreed a "partial solution" wasn't viable—it had to be a complete departure.
• Verstappen's Reaction: Marko called Verstappen the next day. The conversation was melancholic, with Verstappen expressing he "never could have imagined" achieving such success without Marko's guidance.

The big picture:

Helmut Marko's 25-year tenure defined Red Bull's modern motorsport identity. He led the Junior Team from 2001, discovering talents like Sebastian Vettel and orchestrating the early signing of Max Verstappen. Under his watch, Red Bull transformed from a new entrant—having purchased the struggling Jaguar and Minardi teams—into a powerhouse with 14 world titles and 130 Grand Prix victories, the most of any team in that period. His unfiltered media presence often sparked controversy but was inseparable from the team's combative spirit.

What's next:

Marko's departure concludes a legendary chapter. He quashed rumors that Max Verstappen's race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, is also leaving. The team now faces the dual challenge of navigating the 2026 technical revolution without one of its foundational strategists and managing the close relationship between its star driver and the departing mentor who helped shape his career.