Helmut Marko officially left Red Bull following the conclusion of the 2025 season, which sparked numerous rumors—some of which were quickly debunked. On Tuesday, it was announced that after more than 20 years with the Austrian team, and after witnessing Max Verstappen lose his fifth consecutive world championship by just two points, the 82-year-old would step down with immediate effect.
Some gossip suggested that Marko had been pressured to leave his role as team advisor by CEO Oliver Mintzlaff. However, the Austrian categorically denied these claims, insisting that “this is absolutely not the case.”
Marko’s words
Among the theories about the sudden decision, some speculated that Mintzlaff had pushed Marko to step down.
“I met Oliver Mintzlaff in Dubai on Monday,” Marko told RTL/ntv and sport.de. He added that they “parted on good terms.”
“I expressed my wish there, and after some discussion, he agreed, since I still had a contract until 2026.”
“I had hoped and strongly believed that we would win this fifth world championship,” he explained. “It was at that moment that I thought: ‘This is the right time to stop.’”
Marko revealed that the following day he informed Verstappen of his decision and, despite there being “some sadness on both sides,” the 28-year-old also showed understanding.
“He reacted calmly, went over everything. He said what we had achieved, that he, like me, could never have imagined it. But he accepted that this was my personal decision.”
Regarding his successor, the Austrian does not believe there will be a direct replacement and expects his responsibilities “to be divided among several people.” Despite Sebastian Vettel’s name resurfacing in rumors, Marko admitted that this will be a Red Bull decision and, for the moment, nothing is confirmed.
After 20 years, four drivers’ titles and the discovery of both Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko insists he is leaving on his own terms – not because anyone showed him the door.
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