Helmut Marko’s future with the Purple Bull F1 Group is unsure as he has been linked with a attainable retirement.
After Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Purple Bull advisor Marko hinted he was not sure whether or not he would proceed in his function with the group in 2026.
Requested if his future was unsure, Marko informed reporters within the Yas Marina paddock: “There isn’t any doubt, however we could have a dialogue after which we are going to take into consideration what to do.”
“It is a complicated mixture of issues. You will perceive after an evening’s sleep.”
Marko’s feedback got here after Max Verstappen misplaced the 2025 F1 World Championship to McLaren’s Lando Norris within the remaining race of the season.
Purple Bull group principal Laurent Mekies didn’t rule out adjustments inside the group, however didn’t go into particulars.
“Helmut has been extremely supportive this 12 months to show issues round for us,” Mekies stated.
“Clearly he and the highest administration have needed to make fairly a couple of troublesome choices this 12 months and naturally we’ve got at all times recognized that F1 isn’t a static setting.
“Organizations at all times modify, and that applies each technically and sportingly, and it is regular to at all times take a look at methods to enhance the best way you use.”
“I am not speaking particularly about Helmut, however usually I wish to say that we’re at all times in an setting the place we’re at all times difficult one another and searching for the following step, irrespective of how small, in working collectively.
“However I can solely thank Helmut for the function he performed in essentially bettering a scenario that seemed troublesome halfway by the season.”
Marko sparked controversy on the current Qatar Grand Prix when he accused Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli of deliberately overtaking Norris.
Antonelli’s mistake earned Norris two extra factors, which proved to be the distinction in victory over Verstappen because the 2025 season attracts to an in depth.
After the 19-year-old Italian was subjected to vile on-line abuse, Marco apologized and retracted his earlier claims.
What lies behind Lambiase’s feelings?
Ranbias appeared emotional after Sunday’s finale
There have been some emotional moments on the Purple Bull pit wall after the checkered flag, with Verstappen’s race engineer Giampiero Lambiase crying.
“GP” was consoled by a number of Purple Bull teammates, together with Marko.
Lambiase endured a troublesome 2025 season resulting from private causes, lacking two races in Austria and Belgium. Simon Rennie acted as Verstappen’s race engineer at these two occasions.
Relating to Lambiase’s feelings, Verstappen stated: “It has been an emotional 12 months. Forgetting the outcomes this 12 months, I do not need to go into an excessive amount of element, nevertheless it’s been robust.”
“However I’m very blissful to work with such a passionate individual. In fact he’s my race engineer, however I think about him a good friend. We now have gone by so many emotional occasions and nice achievements collectively.”
“I believe he was slightly emotional after the flag, so I’m actually wanting ahead to getting out of right here and catching up with him as a result of it’s not simple for him typically.”
“I am very proud to work with such an important participant. He is an important instance of somebody who by no means gave up throughout troublesome occasions this season.”
