Motorsport legend Helmut Marko is stepping down from his advisor role at Red Bull after 20 years as Formula 1 bids farewell to one of its longest-serving members

Helmut Marko is leaving Red Bull after 20 years advising the team(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Helmut Marko’s Red Bull exit explained

Departure confirmation: Helmut Marko has confirmed he will leave Red Bull after spending 20 years with the team. The 82-year-old advisor announced his decision in an emotional statement, marking the end of a significant era for the F1 outfit.
Timing of exit: Although his contract was originally set to run until the end of 2026, Marko will depart at the conclusion of this year. He felt it was the right time to step away after watching Max Verstappen narrowly miss out on the 2025 Drivers’ Championship.
Championship loss context: The decision follows a dramatic season finale where Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but still lost the title by just two points. McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed the championship, prompting Marko to re-evaluate his position within the sport.
Internal discussions: Marko hinted at his exit earlier by saying he needed to “feel comfortable” to continue in his role. He engaged in internal discussions with team leadership before finalising the choice to retire from the paddock.
Controversial incident: Speculation about his future intensified after he publicly accused young driver Kimi Antonelli of aiding Norris during the Qatar race. This comment drew widespread criticism and reportedly contributed to the mutual decision for him to step back.
Impact on Verstappen: Despite previous suggestions that he might leave if Marko departed, Verstappen is expected to remain with Red Bull. The star driver is preparing for a transitional winter as the team restructures ahead of the new season.
Team restructuring: Red Bull is undergoing significant changes, with several key engineers also set to leave or take on new roles. Team Principal Laurent Mekies insisted these adjustments are normal for an organisation striving to improve and adapt.
Future outlook: As the team looks toward the major technical regulation changes coming in 2026, they will do so without their long-time advisor. Marko’s departure signals a fresh chapter for Red Bull as they aim to reclaim the top spot in F1.