Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is not overly concerned about the ongoing staff exodus from Red Bull. According to the Austrian, it’s ‘natural’ for other teams to try and poach staff from his team. For Red Bull, there’s really only one person they want to keep at all costs: Max Verstappen.
The exodus at Red Bull continues, with chief strategist Will Courtenay being the latest employee to leave the Austrian racing stable. Courtenay will switch from Red Bull to McLaren starting from 2026. Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley had previously announced their departure from the Austrian racing stable.
Marko Unfazed by Departures
Red Bull advisor Marko, however, is not bothered by the departure of these three men. According to the Austrian, it’s “natural” for staff members to move between F1 teams. “It’s a natural development, when you’re so successful, that people get poached,” Marko tells Motorsport-Total.
Red Bull did try to persuade Courtenay to stay, but according to Marko, the strategist received a “financially more attractive” offer from McLaren. The Austrian team has meanwhile also appointed Courtenay’s successor. “We have someone who can take over this position and that is Hannah Schmitz.”
‘The Most Important is Verstappen’
The world champions are now focusing again on the world championship and also on next year’s battle. “We’re also building a fast car for next year,” says the 81-year-old Austrian. A good car for 2025 is also not a luxury for Red Bull, as there is one person the racing stable wants to keep at all costs. “The most important thing is that we can keep Max Verstappen,” concludes Marko.
