According to reports, Red Bull compensated Marko with 8 million euros to ensure his silence.

      Red Bull is said to have paid Dr. Helmut Marko 8 million euros to keep him quiet after forcing the long-serving advisor into retirement. In a report for f1-insider.com, German journalist Ralf Bach asserts that Marko's severance agreement includes a clause that prohibits him from giving interviews until the end of 2026.

      "The new leadership at Red Bull, led by Oliver Mintzlaff, allegedly provided 8 million euros to eliminate any remnants of Mateschitz’s approach to free speech," Bach reported. "A confidentiality agreement was part of the termination deal, effectively silencing Marko. He is barred from giving any interviews until the end of 2026."

      Bach contrasts this alleged situation with the views of the late Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who fostered bold voices and unconventional approaches. He noted, "Under Dietrich Mateschitz, Red Bull was recognized as bold, unconventional, and unwavering. However, following his passing, the racing team has undergone significant changes."

      Bach is also critical of the team's new leadership under Laurent Mekies and incoming junior program head Gwen Lagrue, who will succeed Marko and is coming from Mercedes. "Mekies embodies a new leadership approach," he stated. "His strategy revolves around appearing friendly, engaging in lengthy discussions without conveying much substance, and surrounding himself with loyal staff. The focus on improving the team’s on-track performance seems to be of secondary importance."

      He observes that Red Bull has lost many key figures, such as Adrian Newey, Rob Marshall, and Jonathan Wheatley, while Verstappen's trust in the technical direction is diminishing. "Sources close to the Dutch driver indicate that he plans to stay with Red Bull in 2027 mainly due to a lack of viable alternatives," Bach reported. "He may then explore options with other teams."

      Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher agrees that Marko’s influence is missed beyond his previous media engagements. "Helmut Marko is felt absent everywhere, not just in interviews," he remarked.