Ex-F1 Driver Declares Helmut Marko Reaching ‘Expiration Date’ at Red Bull After Christian Horner’s Exit

Red Bull Racing is going through a turbulent time. Team Principal Christian Horner was sacked by the energy drinks giant this week in a shock announcement. Now, former Red Bull driver Christijan Albers has reckoned that Dr. Helmut Marko might also be on borrowed time. With Milton Keynes heading to a new era under new team boss Laurent Mekies.

Helmut Marko has been part of the Red Bull family even before the start of the F1 team. The 82-year-old was a close aide of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz and managed the driver program. Marko also has considerable influence across both F1 teams run by the energy drinks giant.

Following Christian Horner’s exit, Christijan Albers insisted that Helmut Marko was also reaching his expiration date at Milton Keynes. The former F1 driver asserted that the Red Bull motorsport consultant had become out of touch with the ever-involving world of motorsport. So much so, Albers urged Red Bull to remove the 82-year-old. This would pave the way for a new generation of leadership at the Austrian team.

I think it’s time Marko also reaches his expiration date. Hearing some of his statements, they are out of touch with the times. I wonder if he should stay in that position. Maybe it’s time for a radical change and to usher in a new generation.

Christijan Albers said on De Telegraaf’s F1 podcast

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has been linked to Marko’s position at Red Bull. The German has indeed held discussions with the Austrian team. Though, it is unclear whether Vettel would directly replace the 82-year-old anytime soon.

Helmut Marko excessively ‘harsh’ over Red Bull’s performance

Helmut Marko is a polarizing figure. The Austrian is never afraid to speak his mind, even if it ends up costing the team. The Red Bull advisor is often criticizing the team’s drivers for any downturn in performance. Similarly, the 82-year-old is known for making some bold driver moves within the two Red Bull teams, with drivers being sacked midseason for a lack of results.