[Saba Sports News] Although Helmut Marko officially left his role as Red Bull advisor after the 2025 season, his influence continues to linger within the team. Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies revealed that the key figure, who long oversaw the team’s junior driver program, still maintains close contact with the squad and offers advice and guidance when needed.Over the past two decades, Marko spearheaded the development of Red Bull’s driver academy, nurturing numerous top-tier drivers including Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, and Carlos Sainz. Even after stepping down from his frontline position, the system he built remains operational. It is widely acknowledged within the team that its current success is still largely built on the foundation he established over the years. Mekies noted that Marko has always remained open and willing to communicate with team members. Though he no longer appears in the paddock, he continues to provide behind-the-scenes support based on his experience. For a team that heavily relies on its junior program to supply talent, such a role from Marko remains practically significant.
In our view, as a veteran of Red Bull, Marko’s continued advisory support helps preserve the team’s culture and stabilize driver morale, representing a healthy form of “stepping back but not stepping away.”