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Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko announced his exit from the Milton Keynes-based team a couple after the 2025 season ended. The Austrian recently came out and revealed how he was the one to inform Max Verstappen of his exit, and the reason why he had to do the same over a call.
Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen have a close relationship as the 82-year-old was the one to spot the Dutchman's talent and sign him for the Red Bull junior team, whilst Toto Wolff also wanted to sign the hotshot. In just a little over a year, Verstappen was promoted to the senior team and went on to win four F1 titles with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
Red Bull has been in shambles since Christian Horner was accused of harassing an employee, followed by a power struggle with the top management, resulting in Adrian Newey's exit. Earlier this year, in July, Horner was sacked by the team, with Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko reportedly playing a role in the same.
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As the 2025 season came to a close, Marko came out and detailed how his future at the team was unclear. Reports suggested that after a meeting with Red Bull GmbH CEO Oliver Mintzlaff in Abu Dhabi, it was decided that Marko would leave the team at the end of the year.
The Red Bull advisor sat with De Telegraaf for an interview and revealed how he wanted to inform Max Verstappen of his exit in person, but circumstances led to him eventually breaking the news to the Dutchman over a call.
“Do you know that I also had to inform Max of my decision over the phone? Because we were still fighting for the championship, I decided to wait. I didn't want to bother Max with that. We would all have a joint dinner in Dubai on Monday, where Max would also be there. I wanted to tell him there myself, but due to logistical circumstances Verstappen had to unsubscribe. Then I called him as soon as I got home,” said Helmut Marko
Helmut Marko details the “melancholic” call with Max Verstappen as he confirmed his Red Bull exit
Helmut Marko has stood behind Max Verstappen through all the adversities. Reports of a clause in the Dutchman's contract to leave the team in Marko move or exits were also reported earlier this season when Toto Wolff was in talks with Verstappen over a move to Mercedes.
Marko shared the details of the call with Max Verstappen as he said,
“It was melancholic. We told each other that we'd never dared to dream of our achievements. Max said we'd see each other soon. Of all the drivers, I've built the closest bond with him over the years. We don't need to say much to each other. A few words are enough to understand each other's feelings. I can say it was an emotional phone call, yes.”
As Helmut Marko’s exit was confirmed, reports suggested that Red Bull wanted former control over the racing team and that the advisor’s floating role was causing troubles, hence the decision was made.
