Marko left Red Bull Racing last Tuesday. His departure came as a surprise to many, as the Austrian still had a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2026. “It was after the race,” Marko said about the moment he decided to leave.

Red Bull GmbH’s management, in the person of Oliver Mintzlaff, was subsequently informed. “I met him on Monday in Dubai,” Marko confirms.

Various media outlets reported that Red Bull wanted to part ways with Marko. However, Marko is very clear that this was not the case. “This was my decision,” he states firmly. When asked if stories claiming otherwise are incorrect, he says: “Yes.”

Thus, a long and successful collaboration comes to an abrupt end. “It surprised everyone [that I’m stopping],” Marko laughs, when asked what his family thinks about him being home more often now.

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