Dec.10 (GMM) After Red Bull confirmed that Dr Helmut Marko will step down as motorsport advisor, the 82-year-old sat down with Kleine Zeitung to explain – in his own words – why his two-decade chapter has ended.
The team’s official statement framed the departure as Marko’s choice rather than an ousting, with Oliver Mintzlaff insisting: “Helmut approached me with the wish to end his role as motorsport advisor at the end of the year.
“I deeply regret his decision – his departure marks the end of an extraordinary era.”
Marko explained that the decisive moment came with Max Verstappen narrowly losing the title on Sunday. “This season, I was the first, and then along with Gianpiero Lambiase, the only one within the team who still believed in it,” said the Austrian.
“We were involved with great enthusiasm and commitment, and that’s why it was such a huge disappointment when it didn’t work out. This disappointment led to the decision that now was a good time to step down.”
Despite the magnitude of the split, Marko says he leaves with “good intentions”.
“I’m leaving on the best of terms with Red Bull and will certainly be seen at the racetrack from time to time,” he revealed. “I believe the team is very well positioned and I’m certainly not leaving behind a chaotic mess.
“Everything fits together and I’m sure we’ll improve in some areas.”
Red Bull has already stated the position will not be filled, but Marko offered no insight into the future structure – with Sebastian Vettel’s name still floating about.
“Red Bull has to make this decision, so I can’t comment on it,” said Marko. “I only announced my decision on Monday in Dubai.
“They’re certainly in no hurry – they have to look for the best possible solutions.”
As expected, Verstappen – whom Marko discovered as a junior – was emotional. “I would say he was a little sad about it,” he revealed. “We were reminiscing about the incredible time we’d had together.”
The Dutchman later posted a tribute on Instagram, insisting they had “achieved everything we ever dreamed of together”.
Marko also insists Verstappen’s own future at Red Bull is not suddenly under threat. “No,” he said emphatically. “Max doesn’t just want to be successful, he wants to be successful in a harmonious environment.
“If he no longer has that, he’ll quit from one day to the next. But he’s far too young for that now.”
He also denied speculation that he had enraged Red Bull by acting independently, or contacting rival teams – like Aston Martin – about a potential reunion with Verstappen and Adrian Newey in the future.
“No. I’m not considering any other team,” Marko insisted. “These are all just silly rumours anyway, mainly spread by the British press.”
Bild claims Marko will receive a full payout for his 2026 contract – a severance package estimated at EUR 10 million. The newspaper called it a “golden handshake” acknowledging his foundational role in the team and his discovery of both Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
As for the rumoured future of Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, sources now believe ‘GP’ is expected to continue in his role.
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