Overview
- Marko says the decision was his, describing a brief Dubai meeting with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff and a Thai shareholder representative before calling Max Verstappen the next day.
- He told ORF that the two‑point championship defeat and the looming 2026 technical overhaul made this the right timing to conclude his tenure.
- Reports of internal disagreements, including over junior signing Alex Dunne, continue to circulate, but Marko rejects claims that he was forced out.
- Sebastian Vettel lauded Marko as the architect of Red Bull’s success, as Red Bull has reportedly indicated it does not plan to immediately replace the advisory role and succession rumors persist.
- Marko recounted a wistful first conversation with Verstappen after the decision, while coverage notes Verstappen is contracted through at least 2028 with his longer‑term commitment viewed as uncertain beyond the initial 2026 phase.