Paying for silence
Red Bull Racing has reportedly paid former motorsport advisor Helmut Marko €8 million to ensure he remains silent through 2026. This payment is part of a broader exit package, which includes a legal clause preventing Marko from speaking to the press during that time. F1-Insider, a German motorsport news site, has reported that the payout could rise to €10 million if it encompasses Marko’s entire 2026 salary. These figures suggest a calculated effort by Red Bull’s corporate leadership to secure not just his departure, but also his silence.
A figure of friction
Marko’s relationship with the new leadership at Red Bull began to fall apart after the passing of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in late 2022. Known for his candid and often controversial comments, Marko frequently made pointed remarks about drivers. He stirred online controversy, which was increasingly at odds with the corporate strategy led by CEO Oliver Mintzlaff. His unfiltered nature became a growing source of tension for the management team. Marko’s tendency to make public statements that were difficult to control clashed with Mintzlaff’s push for more structured and accountable operations.
While the team officially announced Marko’s departure as a voluntary and mutual retirement, insiders close to the team suggest that the decision was finalized following the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Mintzlaff, alongside majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya, reportedly agreed that Marko had to be removed from the organization.
Max Verstappen’s looming future
Marko’s departure marks a major change for Red Bull, particularly for Max Verstappen. Verstappen, who is under contract with Red Bull through 2028, is also known to have performance-based exit clauses. Marko himself recently told reporters that top drivers always negotiate these types of clauses. He emphasized that for Verstappen, 'competitiveness always comes first.'
By keeping Marko under a strict confidentiality agreement until the end of 2026, Red Bull ensures that he cannot publicly express support for Verstappen or influence the Dutch driver’s potential decision to leave for another team. If Verstappen ever decides to move, the absence of Marko’s public backing will prevent the former advisor from fueling media narratives or stirring controversy on the subject. For now, Verstappen’s position with the team remains closely tied to the team’s overall performance and competitive success.
With Helmut Marko’s voice now effectively silenced, at least until 2026, Red Bull is left to navigate the challenges ahead. The team is without the most unpredictable and sometimes volatile figure in its organization. And for €8 million, it seems Marko is content to watch the unfolding drama from the sidelines, in silence.