Another year for Marko: How long will he stay active for Red Bull?

19:02, 28 Apr

byLudo van Denderen

Whether it was a big celebration at Marko's house is doubtful. Helmut Marko doesn't seem to be the party animal type, someone who celebrates his birthday exuberantly. Much rather, the Austrian prefers to engage with his great passion, Formula 1. But for how long will Marko remain active in it, now that he has reached the respectable age of 82 years since Sunday?

With 24 Grand Prix weekends on the F1 calendar, the sport is particularly grueling for both, drivers as well as team members. It's constant traveling in and out, shifting from one time zone to another, and little sleep during the race weekend. This might be somewhat doable if you're younger, but for someone who has well surpassed the age of eighty, it must be an even greater strain on their physical health.

Yet, Helmut Marko continues to travel the world with Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, for which he is an outside advisor. The former driver is partly responsible for selecting the drivers and members of the Red Bull Junior Team. But for how long? The answer to that question is at least until the end of 2026, for that is when Marko's contract with Red Bull expires.

Will Marko actually stay until 2026?

Whether he will indeed serve out his contract is, however, not a certainty. It's no secret that Marko's future is closely tied to Max Verstappen. If Verstappen leaves, it's almost certain that the Austrian will also close the door on Red Bull behind him. Following the Dutchman to a new employer is something Marko is unlikely to do. In that case, the Austrian would probably retire and retreat to the Austrian mountains.

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The guarantee that Marko stays if Verstappen does too, is uncertain as well. As GPblog previously reported, there is no longer unconditional loyalty in the Verstappen camp for the man who once brought young Max to Formula 1, but is now partly blamed for all the troubles the team is experiencing. With the departure of Horner and Marko, peace would return, such is the thought.

In any case, the coming months will reveal what happens with Red Bull's sporting performance. If it improves and Verstappen can compete for the top prizes again, then there's probably no reason to shake up the team's management.

If it remains inconsistent (as it is now) or worsens, then heads may roll. Marko might not get involved with the technical issues within the team, but he's the ideal scapegoat for Horner.

And why would Marko himself want to stay in a potentially toxic environment? There are other things to enjoy in your old age, perhaps that realisation will also come to him. Maybe after 2026, who knows iif sooner...