Red Bull's Helmut Marko Set to Exit After 2025 Season, Ending Era

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko will step down after the 2025 Formula 1 season, ending his two-decade influence on the team's championship dynasty. The 82-year-old Austrian's exit—confirmed by The Telegraph and BILD—creates immediate uncertainty around Max Verstappen's future, as the Dutch driver previously declared he would leave Red Bull if Marko departed.

Why it matters:

Marko's departure represents the second major leadership rupture this season following Christian Horner's mid-year dismissal, fundamentally altering Red Bull's power structure. His unique mentorship of Verstappen—forged since the driver's junior career—has been central to the team's dominance, making this transition potentially destabilizing for F1's reigning champion. The timing also raises questions about Red Bull's strategic direction as it prepares for 2026's new technical regulations.

The details:

• Multiple European outlets confirm Marko will conclude his role after Abu Dhabi 2025, though the advisor himself stated post-Abu Dhabi GP that he'd "make [the decision] myself" regarding his future.
• BILD reports Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff views 2025 as the endpoint for Marko's tenure, positioning 2026 as a "fresh start" for the organization under new leadership.
• Power vacuum context: Marko's exit follows Laurent Mekies' appointment as Horner's replacement in July, creating a complete overhaul of Red Bull's top management within 12 months.
• Verstappen connection: The four-time world champion publicly stated in 2023 that Marko's departure would trigger his own exit—a stance that carried significant weight during internal power struggles earlier this year.
• Historical impact: Marko has been instrumental in Red Bull's F1 journey since 2005, overseeing 12 constructors' titles and discovering talents including Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.

What's next:

Red Bull now faces a delicate balancing act between honoring Marko's legacy and executing its leadership transition plan. Verstappen's contract expires after 2027, making his reaction to Marko's phased exit critical for the team's future.

• Team principal Mekies must immediately establish credibility with Verstappen while navigating the advisor's gradual handover period through 2025.
• The organization will likely accelerate integration of new technical leadership ahead of 2026's radical regulation changes, where Marko's engine expertise has been particularly valuable.
• If Verstappen perceives instability, rival teams like Ferrari—with their aggressive 2026 power unit development—could seize the opportunity to lure the champion during contract negotiations.