Why ‘true racer’ Marko will be missed as he leaves Red Bull

Helmut Marko's retirement marks the close of an era, severing a crucial link to Formula 1's rich past. The 82-year-old Austrian, known for his pragmatic and often blunt approach, was instrumental in Red Bull's ascent to dominance. His own promising racing career, highlighted by a 1971 Le Mans victory, was tragically cut short by an eye injury during the 1972 French Grand Prix. This deeply shaped his 'hard knocks' philosophy. Marko was crucial in identifying and developing talents like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, consistently demanding unwavering commitment and a relentless drive for success. Despite criticism for his ruthless driver program, his deep understanding of the sport and unyielding pursuit of excellence cemented Red Bull's legacy. His departure leaves a significant void, concluding a remarkable F1 chapter.