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Red Bull announce Helmut Marko’s F1 exit: ‘Now is the right moment’
Red Bull has officially announced that Helmut Marko will be leaving the team prior to the 2026 F1 season. Marko has played a crucial role at Red Bull since their acquisition of Jaguar in 2005. Overseeing the Red Bull junior program, Marko has nurtured talents like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, both achieving four titles during their time with Red Bull. Other drivers such as Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, and Pierre Gasly have also emerged from the junior program to secure victories in Formula 1. Marko’s departure follows recent speculation after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with him expressing pride in the team’s achievements and anticipating their future success. Christian Horner, Adrian Newey, and Jonathan Wheatley have previously exited Red Bull, with Verstappen linked to other teams despite his current commitment to Red Bull. Reflecting on Marko’s departure, team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged his significant contributions and expressed gratitude for his support throughout the organization.
