F1 2026 Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying Results
July 19, 2026
Oliver Mintzlaff has officially confirmed Helmut Marko’s Red Bull F1 exit following the conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season, marking the end of an era.
The announcement comes just days after the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen’s narrow miss on the drivers’ title against McLaren’s Lando Norris appeared to crystallize Marko’s decision to step down .
“I have been involved in motorsport for six decades now, and the past 20-plus years at Red Bull have been an extraordinary and extremely successful journey,” Marko said in a Red Bull press release.
“It has been a wonderful time that I have been able to help shape and share with so many talented people. Everything we have built and achieved together fills me with pride.
“Narrowly missing out on the world championship this season has moved me deeply and made it clear to me that now is the right moment for me personally to end this very long, intense, and successful chapter.
“I wish the entire team continued success and am convinced that they will be fighting for both world championship titles again next year.”
Helmut Marko leaves a legacy as the man behind the Red Bull Junior Team’s success, nurturing champions like Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen, each securing four titles under his guidance.
Marko’s tenure at Red Bull began in earnest in 2005 when the energy drink giant acquired the struggling Jaguar team, transforming it into a powerhouse that would claim six constructors’ championships and countless race victories.
His role extended far beyond the senior team, encompassing oversight of the junior program that became a goldmine for talent, producing drivers who collectively won eight drivers’ titles and 137 grands prix.
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Marko’s unerring eye for potential spurred Vettel’s meteoric rise from Toro Rosso to Red Bull stardom, clinching four straight crowns from 2010 to 2013, as Verstappen mirrored that blueprint, delivering repeated dominance from 2021 to 2024.
The 82-year-old’s influence lingered in Verstappen’s late-season heroics even as the team faced a challenging season with McLaren surging to the forefront.
However, Helmut Marko’s Red Bull F1 exit rumours swirled following his post-Abu Dhabi comments where he stated he will “hold discussions and make a personal decision”, hinting uncertain future with the team despite his ongoing contract for 2026.
It is believed the motorsport advisor held talks with Red Bull’s top brass including sporting CEO Oliver Mintzlaff at Yas Marina Circuit on Monday, and ultimately decided to part ways.
Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff praised the Marko’s “passion” and “courage to make clear decisions” as he revealed “deep regret” at the veteran’s decision to leave the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
“Helmut approached me with the wish to end his role as motorsport advisor at the end of the year,” Mintzlaff said. “I deeply regret his decision, as he has been an influential figure for more than two decades, and his departure marks the end of an extraordinary era.
“After a long and intensive conversation, I knew that I had to respect his wishes, as I gained the impression that the timing felt right for him to take this step.
“Even though his departure will leave a significant gap, our respect for his decision and our gratitude for everything he has done for Red Bull Racing outweigh it.
“Helmut Marko will be deeply missed-both personally and professionally. We wish him all the very best for the future and hope that he will remain closely and warmly connected to the team.”
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