Red Bull confirms – with regret – Helmut Marko’s exit

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Red Bull has confirmed that its long-serving motorsport advisor Helmut Marko will step away from his role at the end of 2025, bringing one of Formula 1’s most influential and defining partnerships to a close.

The announcement marks the conclusion of more than two decades in which Marko helped transform Red Bull from an ambitious newcomer into a dominant force at the front of the grid.

During his tenure, Marko became synonymous with Red Bull’s aggressive driver development philosophy, a talent pipeline that produced world champions, race winners, and some of the sport’s most captivating personalities.

His blunt assessments and uncompromising standards made him a formidable figure within the paddock—and an indispensable one for Red Bull.

The news of his departure follows a season in which Red Bull missed out on both championships, a result that Marko admitted carried emotional weight. Ultimately, the combination of a gruelling schedule, shifting dynamics, and personal reflection convinced him that the time had come to close this remarkable chapter.

Marko Steps Away After a Defining Era

Reflecting on his decision, Marko said: “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.

“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.

Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz with Helmut Marko in 2015.

“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.”

Mintzlaff Pays Tribute to a Cornerstone of Red Bull’s Success

Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff expressed both regret and admiration as he confirmed Marko’s planned exit.

"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.

"After a long and intensive conversation, I knew that I had to respect his wishes, as I gained the impression that the timing felt right for him to take this step.

"Even though his departure will leave a significant gap, our respect for his decision and our gratitude for everything he has done for Red Bull Racing outweigh it.”

Marko’s upcoming exit signals a major transition for Red Bull as the team prepares for F1’s 2026 regulation overhaul. For now, the organisation is left to reflect on the legacy of one of its most defining architects—the man who helped turn a drinks company’s bold F1 experiment into a motorsport empire.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.