Helmut Marko, a long-standing advisor for Red Bull Racing, has hinted at a potential step back from his role as he surpasses 80 years of age. The Austrian continues to play a pivotal role within the team, as he has for the past two decades. “I still enjoy it, but naturally, I will gradually withdraw,” he admits.
Despite his age, Marko remains physically and mentally fit enough to continue, but he acknowledges the inevitability of eventually handing over some of his responsibilities. The Austrian was a key figure in the establishment of Red Bull Racing and worked closely with co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz, who passed away in 2022.
Even at 81, Marko still travels to every Grand Prix and holds a significant voice within the team, with a strong ally in world champion Max Verstappen. However, he acknowledges his mortality. Marko reveals in the Inside Line F1 podcast that he expects to continue until at least 2026, when his current contract expires.
“I’m not getting any younger,” he says. “My contract runs until 2026, but as long as I’m physically and mentally capable of doing my job, I will continue. I still enjoy it, but naturally, I will gradually withdraw and hopefully find a good successor.” With these remarks, it remains uncertain how long the influential advisor will remain active within Red Bull.
