P1racenews AI automatic summary:
What’s really behind Helmut Marko’s sudden Red Bull F1 exit?
After over 20 years as Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko is leaving the F1 team, confirmed by Red Bull on Tuesday, with the official departure set for the end of 2025. His decision to step down raises questions about his role in signing talent against the shareholders’ wishes, causing conflicts within the team, notably involving former McLaren junior Alex Dunne. There were also past clashes with Red Bull, including offensive remarks towards Sergio Perez in 2023. Marko’s departure signifies a major management shift within Red Bull’s F1 teams, initiated by CEO Oliver Mintzlaff for a fresh start. However, Marko’s exit potentially impacts Max Verstappen, who had a strong alliance with him and now faces uncertainty about his future at Red Bull amid the Austrian advisor’s departure. Verstappen is committed to Red Bull until 2028, with his long-term plans hinging on the team’s competitiveness in 2026 and beyond, particularly with the upcoming in-house power unit project and rule changes.
