Red Bull express 'deep regret' at Helmut Marko departure

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull, has shared his "deep regret" at Helmut Marko's decision to leave the Milton Keynes-based team.

The 82-year-old has made the decision to step down from his role at the six-time F1 constructors' champions following the conclusion of the 2025 season.

Having helped 17 drivers through the team's junior programme into the pinnacle of motorsport — 18, including Arvid Lindblad, who will debut next year — the Austrian felt it was the right time to walk away, with Max Verstappen narrowly missing out on a fifth-consecutive F1 drivers' championship.

Marko has enjoyed a storied career in motorsport, including racing in F1 himself and winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Upon his exit, Mintzlaff praised him for his legacy at Red Bull and said it would leave a "significant gap" at the team.

He said: "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.

"Over more than 20 years, Helmut has earned incomparable merits for our team and the entire Red Bull motorsport family. He played a decisive role in all key strategic decisions that made Red Bull Racing what it is today: a multiple world champion, an engine of innovation, and a cornerstone of international motorsport.

"His instinct for exceptional talent not only shaped our junior program but also left a lasting impact on Formula 1 as a whole. Names like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen stand for the many drivers who were discovered, supported, and guided to the very top under his leadership. His passion, his courage to make clear decisions, and his ability to spot potential will remain unforgettable.

"After a long and intensive conversation, I knew 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.

"Helmut Marko will be deeply missed-both personally and professionally. We wish him all the very best for the future and hope that he will remain closely and warmly connected to the team."