Helmut Marko is a former Formula One driver turned motorsport consultant and team advisor. He is well-known for his role within the Red Bull Racing team and as an influential figure in the world of motorsport.

Marko was born on April 27, 1943, in Graz, Austria. He began his racing career in the late 1960s, competing in Formula Two and sports car racing. In 1972, he made his Formula One debut driving for the BRM team. However, his Formula One career was short-lived, and he retired from racing in 1972 after a serious accident at the French Grand Prix.

After retiring from racing, Marko turned his attention to team management and driver development. He became a close advisor to Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz and played a key role in the formation of the Red Bull Junior Team, a program designed to support and nurture young racing talent.

Marko is known for his no-nonsense approach to team management and his fierce loyalty to the Red Bull Racing team. He has a reputation for being a tough but fair mentor to the drivers under his guidance, pushing them to reach their full potential on the track.

One of Marko’s most notable achievements was his role in the discovery and development of four-time Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel. Marko played a crucial role in Vettel’s early career, helping him secure his first Formula One seat with the Toro Rosso team and guiding him to his first World Championship victory with Red Bull Racing in 2010.

Marko’s influence within the Red Bull Racing team has been instrumental in turning them into one of the most successful teams in Formula One. Under his leadership, Red Bull Racing has won multiple Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships, establishing themselves as a dominant force in the sport.

In addition to his work with Red Bull Racing, Marko is also involved in various other motorsport ventures. He is a co-owner of the Red Bull Ring, a race track in Austria, and is a key figure in the organization of the annual Austrian Grand Prix.

Despite his controversial reputation and sometimes abrasive demeanor, Helmut Marko is widely respected within the motorsport community for his contributions to the sport. His keen eye for talent and his unwavering dedication to the success of his teams have solidified his place as one of the most influential figures in Formula One.