Helmut Marko to receive €10 million 'golden handshake' from Red Bull

Helmut Marko, the influential advisor who helped shape Red Bull Racing into a multiple world champion, is reportedly set to receive a €10 million severance payment as part of his departure from the team. The 'golden handshake' is said to be a sign of appreciation for his more than two decades of service, during which he played a pivotal role in discovering talents like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.

Why it matters:

Marko's exit, coupled with this substantial financial settlement, marks the definitive end of an era for Red Bull. It underscores the immense value the organization placed on his unique talent-spotting abilities and strategic influence, which were fundamental to building the team's championship-winning culture. The payment also reflects the high-stakes financial realities behind the scenes in F1's top teams.

The details:

• The reported €10 million payment is believed to represent Marko's full annual salary for 2026, paid as a severance package.
• German publication BILD reports the 'golden handshake' is a "sign of appreciation" for his achievements, specifically in driver development.
• Marko's legacy is intrinsically linked to the Red Bull Junior Team, a program he championed that unearthed and nurtured future world champions.
• In his departure statement, Marko indicated the 2025 season's narrow miss for the championship influenced his decision, calling it the "right moment" to end his "long, intense and successful chapter."
• Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff acknowledged the significant gap Marko's departure will leave, praising his "instinct for exceptional talent" and his role in all key strategic decisions over 20 years.

The big picture:

Marko's exit is the latest in a series of major leadership changes at Red Bull, following earlier internal restructuring. His departure removes a central, often controversial, figure from the team's operational dynamics. While the financial settlement closes his formal employment, his profound impact on Red Bull's DNA and the careers of drivers like Vettel and Verstappen ensures his legacy will remain a cornerstone of the team's history. The challenge for Red Bull now is to navigate a new chapter without the man whose vision and decisiveness were instrumental in its rise to the top.