Helmut Marko leaves Red Bull Racing after 20 years in the game!

Helmut Marko leaves Red Bull Racing after 20 years in the game!

On December 8, 2025, it was announced that Helmut Marko, a central figure at Red Bull Racing, was leaving after 20 years with the company. Reports from several media outlets, including an article in the British Telegraph, confirm that Marko will be leaving his position at the end of the year, although his contract was valid until the end of the next Formula 1 season. Officially, this is at his own request, but there are indications that internal pressure had an influence on this decision. Oliver Mintzlaff, Managing Director of Sport at Red Bull, is driving a realignment within the team, which led to Marko's departure and the termination of team boss Christian Horner in July this year.

Helmut Marko has been active as a motorsport consultant for the Red Bull Formula 1 team since 2005 and took on the role for the second team, the Racing Bulls (formerly Toro Rosso), in 2006. At 82, Marko leaves a significant void, particularly through his close relationship with Max Verstappen, whom he describes as an “important pillar” and “second father”. Marko had a decisive influence on Verstappen's career and stood by him in 2024 when there was uncertainty about his future due to allegations against Christian Horner.

Realignment at Red Bull Racing

Marko's decision is seen by many commentators as part of a larger strategy under Mintzlaff, who wants to bring a breath of fresh air to the management team. New team boss Laurent Mekies awarded Marko recognition for his contribution to the team's improvement throughout the year. In Marko's absence, the focus on developing new talent within the Red Bull Junior program is expected to increase.

However, the future performance of Verstappen, who is tied to Red Bull until the end of 2028, remains a critical issue. The new regulation for Formula 1 in 2026 could further influence the already existing tensions within the team. Verstappen has recently faced internal challenges that could influence his long-term decision about remaining with the team.

A change in Formula 1

The departure of Helmut Marko and the changes at Red Bull are part of a larger change within Formula 1. In recent months, numerous team bosses have been replaced in order to bring a breath of fresh air into the sport. Jonathan Wheatley, Sauber's new team boss, previously worked at Red Bull for 14 years and shares the vision of a sports-oriented future for Formula 1.

Wheatley emphasizes the importance of collaboration among team leaders to protect the interests of the sport. Laurent Mekies has also internalized these philosophies and will lead discussions with the FIA ​​about future developments in Formula 1. The collective goal is to achieve the best for Formula 1 while honoring Red Bull's impressive history.

With the impending change in Red Bull Racing's leadership structure, Formula 1 faces a period of change in which both tradition and innovation play a central role. According to estimates, this could lead to exciting developments next season.

For more information: vol.at, skysports.com, formula1.de.