Is an era ending in Formula 1? Red Bull mastermind Dr. Helmut Marko caused speculation about a possible withdrawal after the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In a live interview after the race, “Sky” presenter Peter Hardenacke wished the 82-year-old Austrian a nice vacation and said: “We’ll see you next season.” Marko then replied: “Maybe” – an (inadvertent) indication that he will end his long official career in Formula 1?
Marko did not want to answer any further questions about this. “He may have revealed something,” said expert Ralf Schumacher, who was also present at the conversation with Marko alongside Hardenacke.
Max Verstappen was unable to contribute anything to the clarification later in an interview with the pay-TV channel. “I hope so, yes,” answers the dethroned series world champion when asked whether he will still work with Marko at Red Bull in 2026.
When asked specifically about his Formula 1 foster father’s future plans, the 28-year-old replied to the questioner: “You have to ask him about that.”
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Father of Red Bull’s Formula 1 success
Marko, who used to race himself and competed in Formula 1 nine times, has been working for Red Bull since 2005. The racing team won eight drivers’ and six constructors’ titles under his aegis.
In 2025, the Bulls came away empty-handed in both classifications: McLaren won the team championship and Lando Norris won the drivers’ championship.
Nevertheless, Verstappen’s comeback was impressive. After his home race in Zandvoort at the end of August, he was 104 points behind first place. In the end he was still two points behind Norris. “What a comeback in the second half of the season,” said Verstappen. “We can be really proud. There’s nothing to be disappointed about.”
“A Red Bull against two strong McLarens was the deciding factor in us losing the World Cup,” analyzed Marko.