Helmut Marko explains reasons for leaving Red Bull after 20 years as departure confirmed | F1 | Sport

Helmut Marko has explained that he knew it was the right moment to leave Red Bull after watching Max Verstappen narrowly miss out on the F1 title. Marko announced his Red Bull departure in an emotional statement on Tuesday, with the 82-year-old set to leave the team at the end of the year.

Marko has been instrumental in Red Bull’s rise to the top of F1. The Austrian has worked as the team’s motorsport adviser and has also overseen the junior programme. He helped nurture the talents of Sebastian Vettel, who won four F1 world titles with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013. And he also played a leading role in Max Verstappen’s development, with the Dutchman winning four titles between 2021 and 2024.

“I have been involved in motorsport for six decades now, and the past 20-plus years at Red Bull have been an extraordinary and extremely successful journey,” Marko explained.

“It has been a wonderful time that I have been able to help shape and share with so many talented people. Everything we have built and achieved together fills me with pride.

“Narrowly missing out on the world championship this season has moved me deeply and made it clear to me that now is the right moment for me personally to end this very long, intense, and successful chapter.

“I wish the entire team continued success and am convinced that they will be fighting for both world championship titles again next year.“

Meanwhile, Red Bull chief of corporate projects and investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, paid tribute to Marko in his own statement as he said: “Helmut approached me with the wish to end his role as motorsport advisor at the end of the year.

“I deeply regret his decision, as he has been an influential figure for more than two decades, and his departure marks the end of an extraordinary era.

“Over more than 20 years, Helmut has earned incomparable merits for our team and the entire Red Bull motorsport family. He played a decisive role in all key strategic decisions that made Red Bull Racing what it is today – a multiple world champion, an engine of innovation, and a cornerstone of international motorsport.

“His instinct for exceptional talent not only shaped our junior program but also left a lasting impact on Formula 1 as a whole. Names like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen stand for the many drivers who were discovered, supported, and guided to the very top under his leadership. His passion, his courage to make clear decisions, and his ability to spot potential will remain unforgettable.”

And Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies added: “It is very sad news that Helmut is leaving us. He has been such an integral part of our team and of Red Bull’s entire motor racing programme for more than two decades.

“This is therefore the end of a remarkably successful chapter. His departure will leave a void, and we will truly miss him.”

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for his unwavering support, not only over the past months, but also during my early days at Scuderia Toro Rosso.

“On a personal note, Helmut, along with Oliver Mintzlaff was the driving force behind bringing me back into the Red Bull family. Helmut is a real racer at heart, always pushing us to the limit, always prepared to take risks in pursuit of our goals.”