Overview
- Red Bull announced the 82-year-old motorsport adviser will leave after this season, with Helmut Marko saying the narrow championship defeat convinced him it was the right moment to step away.
- Corporate chief Oliver Mintzlaff said Marko approached him with the wish to end his role following Abu Dhabi discussions, adding that the team is respecting the decision.
- Over two decades, Marko built and led the Red Bull Junior Team and helped deliver six constructors’ and eight drivers’ titles, elevating talents such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
- The departure continues a leadership overhaul after Christian Horner’s ousting and Adrian Newey’s exit as Red Bull readies its Ford-partnered 2026 power unit and adapts to new regulations.
- Multiple reports describe strained relations and recent controversy over comments about rookie Kimi Antonelli that preceded online abuse, while analysts suggest Verstappen’s choices will hinge mainly on 2026 competitiveness.