Overview
- Red Bull issued statements quoting Marko saying the near-miss in the 2025 title race made the timing right to step down and quoting Mintzlaff saying Marko approached him to end his role at year’s end.
- Multiple outlets report the decision was settled in talks at Yas Marina on Monday involving Mintzlaff, following Marko’s public uncertainty after the finale.
- His exit continues a wider leadership reset that began with Christian Horner’s mid-season removal as Laurent Mekies thanked Marko for his support through the team’s turbulent year.
- Marko leaves a defining legacy as the architect of Red Bull’s junior pipeline that fast-tracked Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen and underpinned six constructors’ and eight drivers’ titles.
- Recent scrutiny included his Qatar comments about Kimi Antonelli and reports of unapproved junior signings, while paddock consensus indicates Max Verstappen’s short-term plans hinge chiefly on 2026 competitiveness rather than this departure.