F1 ‘insiders’ say Mark Webber could become the new Helmut Marko at Red Bull

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Mark Webber could return to Red Bull as a ‘successor’ to Helmut Marko, based on a rumour in the Formula 1 paddock. Webber raced for the team between 2007 and 2013.

Only Max Verstappen has made more appearances for Red Bull than Webber (213 vs 129). He won nine races and scored 19 podiums for the team, coming close to a world championship in 2010.

After retiring from F1 at the end of 2013, Webber spent three years in the World Endurance Championship. In addition to doing some punditry work, he has been part of Oscar Piastri’s management since 2019.

Mark Webber could return to the Red Bull Formula 1 team

Webber’s relationship with Red Bull was strained at times. The Australian was unhappy with what he saw as second-class treatment compared to teammate Sebastian Vettel.

Perhaps the biggest flashpoint was the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix, when Vettel defied team orders to pass Webber for the lead and escaped internal punishment.

But Webber became an ambassador for the company when he stopped racing, and F1-Insider describe relations as ‘excellent’.

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‘Insiders’ are even suggesting that Webber could succeed Marko as Red Bull’s chief advisor. The Austrian stepped down at the end of 2025, having been with the company since 1999.

Marko oversaw the Red Bull young driver programme, a role that may suit Webber based on his success with Piastri.

There was talk last year that Vettel could be the new Marko, but that particular rumour has now gone cold.

Could Mark Webber bring Oscar Piastri to Red Bull?

Webber no longer accompanies Piastri to races, instead managing the driver’s commercial affairs in conjunction with his wife, Ann Neal.

Returning to Red Bull wouldn’t necessarily force him to cut ties with Oscar Piastri, despite potential conflict-of-interest concerns. Alpine boss Flavio Briatore manages Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso, while Toto Wolff continued to support Esteban Ocon after the Frenchman left Mercedes.

If Webber was to become the next Marko, then it would only strengthen the links between Piastri and Red Bull.

Indeed, F1 Insider’s report suggests Webber could ‘play a role’ in bringing Piastri to Milton Keynes amid uncertainty over Max Verstappen’s future. He was apparently a ‘vocal critic’ of McLaren’s controversial racing philosophy when their two drivers fought for the title last season.