Marko has been part of Red Bull for more than 20 years, playing a key role in discovering and developing young drivers. He first joined Red Bull in 1999 when his RSM Marko team, which raced in Formula 3000, became the Red Bull Junior Team.

Two years later, he was put in charge of Red Bull’s European driver development programme. During his time there, he signed talented drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, both of whom went on to become four-time World Champions, along with several other multiple F1 race winners.

This season, Verstappen narrowly missed out on the World Championship, finishing just two points behind the McLaren drivers. Marko said this result made him realise it was the right time to step down.

He said: “I have been involved in motorsport for six decades now, and the past 20-plus years at Red Bull have been an extraordinary and extremely successful journey. It has been a wonderful time that I have been able to help shape and share with so many talented people. Everything we have built and achieved together fills me with pride.

“Narrowly missing out on the World Championship this season has moved me deeply and made it clear to me that now is the right moment for me personally to end this very long, intense, and successful chapter. I wish the entire team continued success and am convinced that they will be fighting for both World Championship titles again next year.”

Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff said he regretted Marko’s decision but respected it. He said: “Helmut approached me with the wish to end his role as motorsport advisor at the end of the year. I deeply regret his decision, as he has been an influential figure for more than two decades, and his departure marks the end of an extraordinary era.

“After a long and intensive conversation, I knew that I had to respect his wishes, as I gained the impression that the timing felt right for him to take this step. Even though his departure will leave a significant gap, our respect for his decision and our gratitude for everything he has done for Red Bull Racing outweigh it.”