Marko outlines his own Red Bull future after Mateschitz's death

Helmut Marko says he is able leave Red Bull whenever he chooses, but remains committed to heading their Formula 1 young drivers' programme. Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz passed away in October after a long illness, with Marko being a special advisor to him on driving matters and identifying talents such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen - the two drivers to win world titles for the team. Despite the passing of Mateschitz, Marko says he still has the "fire" burning within him as he approaches his 80th birthday - on April 27th next year.

Marko remains committed

"I fulfilled my task because of my connection to Dietrich Mateschitz, a visionary who understood everything in the big picture," Marko explained to Laola1. "If the atmosphere doesn't suit me anymore, then it won't be an issue for me. "I can get off from today to tomorrow, but the fire [for motorsport] still burns. "I generally don't worry about that. I'm independent, so I can leave the team at any time." Marko also explained the governance of Red Bull as a wider company to F1 in the aftermath of Mateschitz's passing - and believes those now in charge understand the importance it brings. "There is a general commitment from both shareholders [Mateschitz's son Mark and the Thai owners of Red Bull] that from a marketing point of view, Formula 1 is the strongest instrument," he explained. "That is not being questioned. "We've had talks with the shareholders, and [I'll speak with Oliver] Mintzlaff - [one of the new CEOs] soon."