Could Mark Webber succeed Helmut Marko at Red Bull?

A potential return to Milton Keynes

Whispers circulating through the Formula 1 paddock suggest that former Red Bull driver Mark Webber could be in line for a significant return to the team, potentially stepping into the shoes of long-time advisor Helmut Marko.

Webber, who raced for Red Bull between 2007 and 2013, remains a pivotal figure in the team's history. With 129 appearances, he sits second only to Max Verstappen in the team's all-time rankings. During his tenure, the Australian secured nine race victories and 19 podium finishes, famously coming within reach of the world championship in 2010.

From strained relations to ambassador

While Webber’s time as a driver was marked by occasional friction—most notably his frustration over perceived preferential treatment for teammate Sebastian Vettel and the infamous 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix, where Vettel defied team orders—his post-racing relationship with the organization has evolved significantly. Since retiring from Formula 1 at the end of 2013 and spending three years in the World Endurance Championship, Webber has transitioned into an ambassadorial role for Red Bull, with reports describing his current relationship with the team as “excellent.”

The succession plan

The speculation centers on the vacancy left by Helmut Marko, who stepped down at the end of 2025 after serving the company since 1999. Marko’s primary responsibility was overseeing the Red Bull young driver programme, a domain where Webber has demonstrated recent success. Since 2019, Webber has been instrumental in the management of Oscar Piastri. While previous rumors linked Sebastian Vettel to the advisory role, those reports have since gone cold.

The Piastri connection

Should Webber assume the role of chief advisor, it would inevitably spark questions regarding his ongoing management of Oscar Piastri. However, industry precedents suggest this may not be an insurmountable hurdle. Alpine boss Flavio Briatore manages Fernando Alonso, and Toto Wolff maintained support for Esteban Ocon after the driver departed Mercedes.

Furthermore, there is speculation that Webber’s appointment could strengthen ties between Piastri and the Milton Keynes outfit. Amidst ongoing uncertainty regarding Max Verstappen’s long-term future, reports suggest Webber could “play a role” in bringing the McLaren driver into the Red Bull fold. Webber has previously been a “vocal critic” of McLaren’s racing philosophy during the team's internal title battle last season.

As Webber no longer accompanies Piastri to races—focusing instead on the driver's commercial affairs alongside his wife, Ann Neal—a return to the Red Bull fold could mark a new chapter for both the former driver and the team he once called home.