Helmut Marko signs a new Red Bull contract, while Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo receive clarification.
Helmut Marko works as a consultant for Red Bull’s parent company and their two F1 teams, and he will continue to do so for many years to come.
Marko has been a part of the energy drink company’s Formula One teams from their inception. And, despite being just a few months shy of his 81st birthday, he has committed to several more seasons as Christian Horner’s major adviser.
The Austrian has signed a three-year contract with Red Bull’s parent business. Because he is not an official member of the racing team, his salary does not contribute against the F1 budget cap.
Marko will continue to work for Red Bull until he is at least 83 years old, according to the agreement. It also puts to rest recent conjecture that he is planning to reduce the amount of work and travel he undertakes on a yearly basis.
Last week, he told Austrian news station OE24 that he had no plans to make such adjustments. “My future has been clarified in a positive sense,” he remarked. Everything will go exactly as planned. What if I compete in all 24 races? Yes, and it will be less stressful for me.
“It would be difficult if I told myself that this is a crazy schedule.” The truth is that I tell myself that Australia is stunning and that I can’t wait to see Melbourne. I’ll be working for Red Bull Racing from 11 a.m. on Friday to 8 p.m. on Sunday. “I simply cannot wait.”
The move also shows Red Bull’s drivers that Marko is the man they need to keep impressing. His position has included overseeing the development of their young racers and deciding who is deserving of F1 racing seats.
