Helmut Marko’s Red Bull exit raises one ‘suspicion’ about their 2026 F1 car

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Helmut Marko has left Red Bull ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, arguably the most significant year in the team’s history.

The former chief advisor joined Red Bull in 2005 and was a key figure behind the scenes during their eight drivers’ and six constructors’ triumphs with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Marko was pivotal in securing both of them.

But at the end of 2025, the Austrian announced his exit from the team. Marko told Verstappen over the phone about his departure, much to his annoyance, as he did not want to distract the Dutchman from the title fight with McLaren.

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The 82-year-old’s exit comes after months of tension between key figures within the team. Marko was known to have feuded with Christian Horner, which almost led to his suspension in 2024.

Marko says Horner played ‘dirty tricks’ in the final years of his tenure, and even suggested that Verstappen would have won the 2025 title if he had been sacked earlier. Red Bull have since had a restructuring, with Marko calling it quits.

Helmut Marko’s exit raises Christian Danner ‘suspicion’ about conflict within Red Bull in 2026

Laurent Mekies will lead Red Bull in 2026 under the new technical regulations, which will see the team become an engine manufacturer. Marko’s sudden exit has raised a ‘suspicion’ from Christian Danner that there is still conflict within the team.

He said via Motorsport-Magazin: “Well, I think it’s a resignation. Helmut Marko has survived so many, let’s say, highs and lows, battles and fights there, very cleverly.

“I don’t think it was a dismissal. I think he probably sees what’s coming his way. We mustn’t forget, he’s just had a rather uneventful year.

“I mean, they were so relentless in their pursuit. There was a restructuring, the whole thing, all that noise from Horner and everything with Mekies. I mean, there was quite a bit of unrest.

“The car wouldn’t start, Verstappen was unhappy, and I have a suspicion that, this year with the new engine, with all the new regulations, I’m saying now, to put it mildly, he sees a certain potential for conflict arising and says, well, then, that’s enough.”

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Is Max Verstappen’s 2026 title charge in jeopardy?

The drama surrounding key personnel at Red Bull and Marko’s departure is the last thing Verstappen needs ahead of 2026.

The Dutchman almost pulled off the greatest comeback in F1 history in 2025, going from 104 points behind the championship lead at Zandvoort to finishing two points behind Lando Norris. He will be determined to secure a fifth title in 2026.

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But next season could be a huge challenge for him and the team. The ‘noise in the paddock’ says Red Bull’s 2026 engine is behind, and this, along with Marko’s exit, is not what Verstappen will want to hear.

F1 fans don’t think Verstappen will win another championship after committing his future to Red Bull amid interest from Mercedes. If the regulations do not bring him success in 2026, he has hinted that he will leave F1 altogether.

The 28-year-old may also feel pressure from the other side of the garage. Isack Hadjar might have ‘poisoned’ the atmosphere at Red Bull, which could have affected Verstappen’s 2025 title charge, and potentially his 2026 chances as well.