Dr Helmut Marko has assumed an ambassadorial role with the Red Bull Ring, host of the Austrian Grand Prix scheduled for 26-28 June. The 82-year-old confirmed the position during an event in Vienna on Thursday, following his retirement from Red Bull at the end of 2025. Marko spoke to Austrian publication OE24 about the move.
Marko served as motorsport adviser at Red Bull since the team entered Formula 1 in 2005 and led the Red Bull Junior Team since 2001. He played a key part in nurturing talents such as four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly. His departure came after a challenging 2025 season, where Red Bull mounted a comeback but fell short of the championship by two points. “We had a difficult season this year,” Marko said. “It was particularly bumpy in the middle. We were 104 points behind in Holland. Then we started a comeback that was certainly unique. But unfortunately, it didn't work out in the last race. We lost the championship by two points.” He made the retirement decision in Dubai shortly after the final race. “Even if we had won, it would have been a good reason to leave this job. But now, in hindsight, because we lost, it's also a good point,” Marko added. Red Bull Racing currently ranks sixth in the constructors' standings after the first three rounds of 2026, with Verstappen in ninth place on 12 points and new teammate Isack Hadjar 12th on four points.