Laurent Mekies reveals Helmut Marko’s ongoing influence at Red Bull despite departure

Despite stepping away from the Formula 1 paddock, Helmut Marko’s presence at Red Bull remains deeply felt.

While Marko has largely stayed out of the spotlight since his departure — choosing only to comment publicly when approached by the press — his connection to the Milton Keynes outfit has not been severed. According to team principal Laurent Mekies, the Austrian continues to play an informal but meaningful role behind the scenes.

Marko still a guiding voice

Marko’s exit handed Mekies expanded responsibilities, particularly in the areas of driver development and management. That transition has drawn attention, especially as Red Bull navigates a new phase following a series of high-profile departures over the past two years.

Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Mekies made it clear that Marko remains accessible to the team — including its drivers.

“I’m pretty sure they are still talking. Maybe not at 7:00 AM, but maybe a bit later in the day. Helmut has remained very open and available to us.”

He continued:

“I am sure we’re all having chats with him and getting his guidance from him even though you don’t see him turning up at the race track…”

Mekies was quick to underline the scale of Marko’s legacy within the organisation.

“You can’t turn the page of Helmut that he has been building this young driver program for two decades with incredible success. You don’t turn that page quickly. So we are living on his legacy right now. And as I said he’s behind the corners if we need him.”

The comments suggest that while Marko may no longer be physically present in the paddock, his philosophy and influence continue to shape Red Bull’s internal structure and driver pathway.

A new approach to driver management

Under Mekies’ leadership, the management of young talents has taken on renewed focus. Isack Hadjar’s development has been cited as a positive example, with the young driver stepping up significantly. Liam Lawson, too, has appeared rejuvenated in the current environment.

The implication is clear: while the structure may be evolving, the foundation remains rooted in the system Marko built.

Red Bull’s period of transition

Marko is not the only key figure to have departed in recent seasons. Christian Horner, Jonathan Wheatley and Adrian Newey have also left over the past two years, marking the end of a core leadership group that oversaw one of the most successful periods in Red Bull’s history.

These exits have opened the door for internal promotions, as the team works to stabilise and rebuild toward previous heights. However, the introduction of new regulations has complicated that process, with Red Bull currently trailing their rivals.

There is optimism that the upcoming break in the season will provide valuable time to address car issues before returning to competition at the Miami Grand Prix.

For now, Red Bull’s rebuild continues — shaped by fresh leadership, but still guided, quietly, by the legacy of Helmut Marko.