Vettel Surprised by Marko's Red Bull Exit, Credits Him as Architect of Success

Sebastian Vettel has expressed his surprise at Helmut Marko's decision to leave the Red Bull Formula 1 team, crediting the long-time advisor as the "architect" and "originator" of the team's historic success. The four-time world champion, whose own titles from 2010 to 2013 were the first fruits of Marko's driver program, reacted to the news that broke shortly after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

Helmut Marko's departure marks the end of an era for Red Bull Racing. As the mastermind behind the team's driver development strategy and a central figure in its rise from a midfield outfit to a multiple championship-winning force, his exit signals a significant shift in the team's leadership structure. His influence extended far beyond spotting talent like Vettel and Max Verstappen, shaping key personnel and strategic decisions for nearly two decades.

The details:

• Vettel stated he was "just as surprised as everyone else" by the news, wishing Marko "all the best for his future and a well-deserved retirement."
• The German champion emphasized Marko's foundational role, calling him "the originator of Red Bull’s success in Formula 1" and "the architect of success not only in terms of driver selection."
• Marko himself clarified in an exclusive interview that his departure was entirely his own decision, putting to rest rumors that Red Bull had initiated the split.
• Regarding his future, Marko has ruled out a full-time return to F1 in any capacity, including as a pundit or journalist, though he may attend "one or two Grand Prix" as a spectator.

The big picture:

Marko's exit follows the conclusion of a season where Max Verstappen missed out on the drivers' championship to Lando Norris, ending a dominant period for the team. His departure removes a pivotal, sometimes controversial, figure from the paddock—one whose fingerprints are on every major Red Bull achievement since the team's inception. It leaves a substantial void in the team's strategic and talent-scouting hierarchy.

What's next:

With Marko stepping away, the focus turns to how Red Bull will restructure its senior advisory and talent development roles. The team must now navigate the post-Marko era, seeking to maintain its competitive edge and its famed pipeline for young drivers without the man who built the system. For Marko, a definitive break from the F1 spotlight appears to be the plan, closing a chapter that fundamentally shaped the modern Formula 1 landscape.