Former consultant apparently receives millions in severance pay
But not voluntarily? New details about Marko’s exit from Red Bull
December 17, 2025 – 6:01 p.mReading time: 1 min.
Many fans were surprised by Helmut Marko’s withdrawal from Red Bull. Now there is a new report about the background.
Helmut Marko’s retirement after two decades at Red Bull was apparently not quite as voluntary as the official announcement states. At least that’s what “Sport Bild” claims. According to the newspaper, it was a step to anticipate an impending expulsion.
Accordingly, the 82-year-old did not want to be deposed and got ahead of Red Bull boss Oliver Mintzlaff. He is said to have already decided to restructure the team for the new season – despite Marko’s track record with eight drivers’ and six constructors’ titles.
According to “Sport Bild”, his position will not be filled. If Marko hadn’t left voluntarily, Mintzlaff would have either further disempowered him or separated from him. Fittingly: Despite the officially voluntary withdrawal, Marko receives a severance payment. He is expected to collect ten million euros, which corresponds to his annual salary. Marko’s contract ran until 2026.
According to the report, the Austrian was no longer without controversy internally, for example, he is said to have signed talent for the youth academy without prior consultation. Now the Helmut Marko era at Red Bull is over. Exactly how responsibility is distributed within the racing team is still publicly unknown.