During his time with the Milton Keynes-based team, Marko became one of the key figures behind Red Bull’s success. He was responsible for the junior driver programme and helped develop many young drivers who later reached Formula 1. In recent years, the team enjoyed a highly successful period, winning multiple Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. However, the 2025 season proved far more demanding, as Red Bull were beaten to both titles by McLaren.

The campaign was especially difficult in the middle of the year. After the summer break, Max Verstappen found himself more than 100 points behind in the championship standings. Red Bull then produced an impressive comeback, closing the gap race by race. Despite that effort, Verstappen eventually missed out on the title by just two points to Lando Norris.

Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ORF, Marko admitted that the season had a strong effect on him personally. “We had a difficult season this year,” he said. “It was particularly bumpy in the middle. We were 104 points behind in Holland.” He continued: “Then we started a comeback that was certainly unique. But unfortunately, it didn’t work out in the last race. We lost the championship by two points.”

Even though the comeback was remarkable, Marko said the final result was hard to accept. “Although this comeback was unique, it was still a very bitter disappointment,” he explained. “It hit us particularly hard. Even after the race, I felt that something had been lost.” He revealed that he took time to think after the season ended and that this helped him reach a clear decision. “I then stayed in Dubai on Monday. That’s when I made my decision.”

Marko was keen to stress that his exit was not caused by internal problems or disagreements within Red Bull. He made it clear that the choice was his alone. “Even if we had won, it would have been a good reason to leave this job,” he said. “But now, in hindsight, because we lost, it’s also a good point.”

He also spoke about telling Max Verstappen about his decision. Marko described their phone call as emotional, saying there was a sense of sadness as they reflected on what they had achieved together. At the same time, he dismissed any suggestion that his departure could lead to Verstappen leaving the team, insisting that his own time at Red Bull had simply reached its natural end.