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Helmut Marko’s early exit from Red Bull has led to the sudden departure of Irish prospect Alex Dunne. Reports indicate that Alpine has reopened discussions with the 20-year-old for a 2026 reserve role, following a series of decisions at Red Bull that culminated in Marko’s departure at the end of 2025. Dunne is contracted to remain in Formula 2 with Rodin Motorsport in 2025.
Marko’s decision to step away came after a long period of internal strain. His relationship with Red Bull’s leadership changed after the death of Dietrich Mateschitz, leaving him under a new structure. His remarks about Sergio Perez in 2023, the failed attempt to remove him in early 2024, his comments that led to abuse directed at Kimi Antonelli, and the unilateral hiring of the junior driver all contributed to his exit.
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The Dunne case was part of that picture, as Red Bull shareholders disagreed with how the signing was handled. In a detailed breakdown, RacingNews365 reported:
“There has been speculation that Helmut Marko, who has since left Red Bull, signed Dunne unilaterally, in a move that had to be unwound, reportedly to the tune of a significant sum.”
Alex Dunne’s path has already been complex. He left McLaren’s programme earlier this year after a difference of opinion over the direction of his development. Red Bull was briefly linked as a potential landing spot before the deal collapsed. Alpine had been in talks before the split from McLaren, and with the Red Bull option now gone, discussions with Enstone have resumed.
Dunne's 2025 F2 season consists of two wins, six further podiums, and a fifth-place finish in the final drivers' standings. Though he is expected to miss the 2026 season opener in Melbourne, due to 12 penalty points triggering an automatic suspension, he remains eligible for F1 free practice sessions. He has completed two outings with McLaren this season.
If Alpine finalizes the arrangement, Alex Dunne would join an already deep reserve lineup in 2025 - Kush Maini, Franco Colapinto, Ryo Hirakawa, and Paul Aron. Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan this year. Whether Alpine maintains a similar structure for 2026 remains to be seen.
Helmut Marko’s Red Bull exit raises fresh questions about stability and Max Verstappen’s future
Helmut Marko’s departure has ended more than two decades of influence across Red Bull’s Formula 1 projects. He was central to the creation of the senior team, the launch of Toro Rosso, and the junior pipeline that produced Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, among others.
Marko’s role extended beyond talent evaluation, as he shaped major decisions and championship-defining calls that built Red Bull into a consistent title contender. In the team's official announcement, Oliver 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."
Max Verstappen has also posted a detailed reaction. Earlier this year, he publicly described Marko as a 'pillar' in the team and strongly implied he would not support any attempt to force the Austrian out.
With Christian Horner removed earlier this year and Mateschitz no longer present, the structure around Helmut Marko changed. Red Bull is also experiencing broader operational turnover. Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, and strategy chief Will Courtenay are gone or on their way out. On Verstappen’s side of the garage, his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, is also expected to move into a high-level role in 2026.
The timing is striking for Max Verstappen. He missed the 2025 title by two points to Lando Norris and will run without the No. 1 in 2026 for the first time in five years. Now he enters the next cycle without the two constants who were present for his entire Red Bull journey - Christian Horner and Helmut Marko - leaving Red Bull with major questions about stability and long-term direction.
