Red Bull names Guillaume 'Rocky' Rocquelin as new head of Junior Team following Marko's departure

Red Bull Racing has confirmed to GPblog that Guillaume 'Rocky' Rocquelin is now the primary point of contact and operational lead for the Red Bull Junior Team, stepping into the role long held by Helmut Marko. The move provides clarity for drivers and their teams during a critical period for talent development decisions.

Why it matters:

Helmut Marko was the architect and public face of Red Bull's driver academy for two decades, personally scouting and managing talents like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. His sudden departure left a significant operational and relational void, with drivers and their managers reportedly uncertain about who to contact. Rocquelin's formal assumption of the role ensures continuity for one of Formula 1's most successful talent pipelines during a key decision-making window for the 2026 season.

The details:

• Red Bull confirmed that Guillaume 'Rocky' Rocquelin, already the Head of the Driver Academy, will now lead the Junior Team independently, without Marko's oversight.
• The confirmation came after a period of uncertainty where managers, family members, and the drivers themselves were unsure who within the Red Bull structure to approach regarding Junior Team matters.
• The timing is crucial, as December and January are typically when critical decisions are made about driver contracts, new signings, and racing series placements for the upcoming season.
• Rocquelin is a respected and established figure within Red Bull Racing, having previously served as race engineer for four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, which lends him significant credibility with the drivers.

Looking ahead:

With the formal structure now clarified, Rocquelin's immediate task is to steer the Junior Team through the off-season planning phase. His experience and internal standing position him to maintain the academy's flow of talent, which recently saw Arvid Lindblad promoted to Racing Bulls for 2026. The long-term success of this transition will be measured by the academy's ability to continue producing top-tier F1 drivers without its longtime strategic leader.