Marko on Red Bull Exit: "I Enjoy the Thought" of Skipping Australia

Helmut Marko has openly expressed his relief about no longer having to travel to Australia for the season opener following his departure from Red Bull. The influential advisor, who is stepping away after two decades, remarked he "enjoys the very thought" of skipping the February trip, marking a significant end to his tenure on the team's pit wall.

Why it matters:

Marko's departure signals the end of a defining era for Red Bull Racing, a period characterized by immense success and a legendary eye for talent. His role was pivotal in building the team into a powerhouse and nurturing drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen into world champions, fundamentally shaping the modern F1 landscape.

The details:

• Marko is setting up a home viewing system to stay informed, emphasizing the need for sector times and data to properly follow the races remotely.
• For the first time in 20 years, Marko will not be present on the Red Bull pit wall in Australia, closing a chapter on a remarkable run defined by four consecutive drivers' titles and six constructors' championships.
• Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner commented on the exit, stating he's confident Marko will continue to make headlines in the future, saying, "I’m sure we’ll hear one or two more statements from the Doctor."

Looking ahead:

While his official role at Red Bull has concluded, Marko's influence and outspoken nature ensure he will remain a significant figure in the F1 conversation. The sport will be watching to see how Red Bull navigates this new chapter without one of its chief architects, and what statements the 'Doctor' will make from the sidelines.