Helmut Marko Exposes the Real Reason Behind His Red Bull exit

Helmut Marko has finally broken silence on the real reasons behind his sudden Red Bull exit despite 2026 contract.

Helmut Marko Exposes the Real Reason Behind His Red Bull exit

Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

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Helmut Marko has finally exited Red Bull after serving the team loyally for over 21 years in Formula 1. Marko was one of the oldest figures in the history of the pinnacle of motorsport, serving in different roles in the sport for over 60 years. Though the final few years for the Austrian were filled with controversies, he still had a great eye for talent in drivers. Now, following his Red Bull exit, he opened up on the real reasons behind his sudden departure despite his contract running until the 2026 season.

Helmut Marko was one of the more polarizing figures in the F1 community, who did not hesitate to speak his mind. Though this habit of his landed him in hot water and caused hatred towards many other drivers. Many people believe that Marko’s action of signing Arvid Lindblad and McLaren’s Alex Dunne in the Red Bull program without proper authorization led to his ultimate exit from the squad. However, nothing certain has been unveiled yet.

Now, speaking on his sudden Red Bull exit, Helmut Marko accepted that the team suffered from a difficult season in 2025. Despite dominating a majority of the ground-effect era, Milton Keynes suffered from a drastic performance slump. Marko recalled how bumpy the journey was for the team mid-way through 2025 as Max Verstappen was over 104 points adrift of the title lead.

Even though Max Verstappen achieved a meteoric rise from 104 points to just two points behind the championship leader, it was still enough to make Helmut Marko consider leaving the team. Though Marko accepted that this comeback was unique to him, losing the title by just two points was a bitter disappointment for him. As such, the 82-year-old felt that something was lost in the team and ultimately decided to call it quits after a long journey of over 60 years in Formula 1.

We had a difficult season this year, It was particularly bumpy in the middle. We were 104 points behind in Holland. Then we started a comeback that was certainly unique. But unfortunately, it didn’t work out in the last race. We lost the championship by two points. Although this comeback was unique, it was still a very bitter disappointment. It hit us particularly hard. Even after the race, I felt that something had been lost.

Helmut Marko told Austrian broadcaster ORF.

Helmut Marko reveals when he made the exact decision to exit Red Bull

Following the disappointing title loss for Max Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi GP, Helmut Marko wasn’t too delighted by the news. Marko revealed that he stayed in Dubai following the conclusion of the season finale in 2025. The Austrian had a meeting with Red Bull’s Managing Director, Oliver Mintzlaff, regarding the entire situation and his decision to exit the team.

Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (via Red Bull)

Helmut Marko pointed out that he made his decision in Dubai, right after the conclusion of the 2025 season. Even if Red Bull had won the 2025 title, he might have left his position as he believed it was the right time do so. However, now, in hindsight, his leaving was understandable as Milton Keynes lost out on the title anyway and did not achieve a picture-perfect finish to their rollercoaster of a year.

I then stayed in Dubai on Monday. That’s when I made my decision. Even if we had won, it would have been a good reason to leave this job. But now, in hindsight, because we lost, it’s also a good point.

Helmut Marko noted.

The new regulations are up next in the 2026 season, and they are bound to be extremely tricky for Red Bull. The energy-drink giant will manufacture their own power units in a collaboration with Ford and is bound to face some struggles in their first year. Regardless, the entire team is extremely motivated and hopes to achieve the best results possible in the absence of Helmut Marko.

Continue Reading: “Best Driver Didn’t Win!” Ralf Schumacher Questions Lando Norris’ 2025 F1 Triumph with Brutal Max Verstappen verdict