Red Bull part ways with influential adviser Helmut Marko
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Helmut Marko is a close ally of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, and helped to oversee six constructors’ championships and eight drivers’ titles for the team..
PHOTO: EPA
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- Helmut Marko, Red Bull's influential adviser, is reportedly leaving the Formula One team after talks with executives.
- Marko, age 82, has overseen six constructors' and eight drivers' titles since Red Bull's arrival in F1 in 2005.
- This departure follows Christian Horner's sacking and hints at organisational adjustments within the Red Bull team.
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PARIS - Red Bull confirmed on Dec 9 the departure of influential adviser Helmut Marko who oversaw the progression of serial world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
The 82-year-old Austrian has been front and centre of Red Bull’s remarkable run in F1 since their arrival on the grid back in 2005, helping them to six constructors’ championships and eight drivers’ titles.
The 1971 winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours for Porsche is a close ally of Verstappen, who missed out on a fifth successive title by only two points to McLaren’s Lando Norris in Abu Dhabi on Dec 7.
Marko was responsible for Red Bull’s young driver programme, and was behind Vettel’s four titles, along with Verstappen’s emergence as one of the all-time greats.
His departure comes months after Red Bull sacked team principal
Horner’s successor, Laurent Mekies, commented: “It is very sad news that Helmut is leaving us.
“He has been such an integral part of our team and of Red Bull’s entire motor racing programme for more than two decades.
“This is therefore the end of a remarkably successful chapter. His departure will leave a void, and we will truly miss him.”
Marko reflected on his “extraordinary and extremely successful journey” with Red Bull.
“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,” he added.
“I wish the entire team continued success and am convinced that they will be fighting for both world championship titles again next year.”
Red Bull’s CEO of corporate projects and investments Oliver Mintzlaff said the decision to leave had been Marko’s.
“Helmut approached me with the wish to end his role as motorsport advisor at the end of the year.
“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,” he said.
Mintzlaff singled out Marko’s ability to spot talent via the team’s junior programme.
“Names like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen stand for the many drivers who were discovered, supported, and guided to the very top under his leadership.
“His passion, his courage to make clear decisions, and his ability to spot potential will remain unforgettable,” he added. AFP
