Red Bull facing fresh crisis: a key figure considering 2026 departure after Abu Dhabi heartbreak. After the Abu Dhabi GP, Max Verstappen not only lost the championship by two points but may also face the departure of key figure.

The 2025 world championship may not be the only thing Max Verstappen has lost: a key figure at Red Bull is preparing to leave the team. After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen handed over the title after four consecutive years at the top. But the number one driver might not be the only loss he faces, as reports suggest that Helmut Marko could step down from his role within the Milton Keynes team in 2026.

After an intense season and a bitter defeat at the final race in Abu Dhabi, the Austrian advisor publicly acknowledged for the first time the possibility of leaving Red Bull. Marko has been linked to the Red Bull family for decades and has played a central role in the team’s success, particularly in developing young talent. He was behind the winning bets that brought champions like Sebastian Vettel and, most notably, Max Verstappen into the team.

The 2025 season was already one of major changes for the team. The most notable was Christian Horner’s departure as team principal, replaced by Laurent Mekies. Additionally, Adrian Newey left to become team principal at Aston Martin. On the sporting side, the season ended in disappointment. In Abu Dhabi, Red Bull lost the championship by just two points, as Lando Norris managed to outpace Verstappen and Oscar Piastri in a thrilling finale. The narrow defeat also had a clear impact on Marko.

The painful defeat

Shortly after the race, Marko spoke openly about his future:
“I will discuss it and then see what to do. It’s a combination of different factors. I need to think it over and then decide,” he told the media.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Marko did not hide his disappointment over narrowly missing the title:
“Of course, I am a bit disappointed that we lost the championship by just two points,” he admitted. “But at the same time, it also gives us confidence to see how we have come back. It shows that we have the technical expertise needed.”

In his remarks, Helmut Marko also highlighted the lack of indirect allies in the decisive race. “It wasn’t really there today, also because Mercedes and Ferrari were not fast enough to help us. It’s good that we won more races this season, but in ten years, all that will matter is who became the champion.”