Before the Red Bull team stirred things up by switching out Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda just two races into the new Formula 1 season, fans were already buzzing with questions. Helmut Marko, a key figure in the sport, was already under scrutiny due to his controversial remarks after the season opener in Australia.
In that race, rookie Isack Hadjar faced a tough moment when he crashed out during the formation lap in Melbourne. Marko’s reaction was less than sympathetic, describing Hadjar’s emotional response as “a bit embarrassing.” This was in stark contrast to the widespread empathy and support Hadjar received from others in the community, including heartfelt gestures from Stefano Domenicali and Anthony Hamilton, who reached out with comforting words, along with many other drivers offering their encouragement.
To outsiders, Marko’s comments might seem out of touch with the nurturing role he should play, but interestingly, Hadjar stood by the Red Bull advisor just a week later while in China. Despite this, Red Bull’s approach to driver management hasn’t been smooth sailing. Marko has openly explained the reasoning for this quick driver swap, linking it to their strategic plan to enhance Max Verstappen’s championship bid.
It’s clear that Marko has a significantly close relationship with the Verstappen camp, placing much of his influence there. As a longtime advisor to Red Bull, his role involved significant sway over driver decisions before the death of Red Bull’s founder, Dietrich Mateschitz, in 2022. Mateschitz relied on Marko for advice on driver line-ups, which often came from Red Bull’s renowned young driver program, a program over which Marko had full control.
However, Mateschitz’s passing marked the beginning of a power shift within Red Bull. Ownership is now shared between Thai businessman Chalerm Yoovidhya and Mateschitz’s son, Mark. Mark Mateschitz respects Marko’s legacy and his vital role in helping Red Bull and Verstappen soar to new heights in Formula 1. However, Mark doesn’t have the same level of control, and Yoovidhya generally supports Christian Horner’s leadership.
Horner has taken steps to expand his own influence on driver development by placing seasoned engineer Guillaume Rocquelin in charge of working with junior drivers since 2022. While Marko still holds significant control over the program, including which drivers are selected and which categories they race in, Rocquelin has been gradually introducing other elements, like reestablishing a training and benchmarking program in Jerez, challenging Marko’s once total domination.
When it comes down to allocating F1 seats, the shareholders have the ultimate decision, with Horner and Marko only offering their suggestions. For the Lawson and Tsunoda swap, insiders suggest it was a unanimous decision, even if it meant going against Verstappen’s preference for giving Lawson more time to settle with the demanding car.
This alignment with Verstappen is no surprise as Marko has grown increasingly close to him over recent years, helping to negotiate his contract renewals. Their bond became especially crucial in 2024, upon Verstappen’s insistence on having Marko stay involved amid internal team conflicts.
Verstappen was quoted saying, “I’ve always clearly indicated that he has to stay, so I can’t continue without him. Helmut is very important for the team and for me to continue, for the future of the team.” Interestingly, Verstappen’s contract once included a clause allowing him to depart if Marko’s role was compromised—though it’s said this has since been revised, hinting at their entwined futures. There’s even speculation Marko could exit Red Bull if Verstappen decides to move on, potentially using performance clauses to break free before his contract ends in 2028.
But you might wonder why Marko keeps making headlines with his blunt comments about drivers or the team if he doesn’t have direct authority. Known for his candidness both in private and in public, Marko continues to influence discussions by sharing his unabashed opinions—despite the lack of official jurisdiction in some areas.
Being somewhat removed from the direct operations of the team allows him freedom to speak candidly, since he’s not the final decision-maker. Those who’ve closely worked with him suggest sometimes his remarks are fashioned to keep him in the spotlight.
Marko may witness his sway in Red Bull Racing facing challenges, but his connection to Verstappen ensures he’s still a key link for the team’s most prized asset. As long as Verstappen holds Marko in high regard, his significance to Red Bull is secure.
