Helmut Marko, a mentor and major ally of four-times Formula One world champion Max Verstappen, is leaving the Red Bull team after 20 years as motorsport consultant to the energy drink brand.

The 82-year-old Austrian, a grand prix racer in the 1970s and close confidant to the team's founder Dietrich Mateschitz who died in 2022, also headed the Red Bull junior programme.

In that role he helped bring 20 drivers into Formula One, where Red Bull have two teams, including champions Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.

"It is very sad news that Helmut is leaving us," Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies said in a statement on X. "He has been such an integral part of our team and of Red Bull’s entire motor racing programme for more than two decades."

Marko suggested in a separate statement that Verstappen missing out on a fifth successive title had been a reason for his exit.

"Narrowly missing out on the world championship this season has moved me deeply and made it clear to me that now is the right moment for me personally to end this very long, intense and successful chapter," he said.

Verstappen thanked Marko in a social media post: "We've achieved everything we ever dreamed of together," he said. "I'm forever grateful for your belief in me."

Red Bull's CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments Oliver Mintzlaff said Marko had approached him expressing a wish to end his role at the end of the year.

"I deeply regret his decision, as he has been an influential figure for more than two decades, and his departure marks the end of an extraordinary era," he said.

"He played a decisive role in all key strategic decisions that made Red Bull Racing what it is today: a multiple world champion, an engine of innovation, and a cornerstone of international motorsport."

Mintzlaff said he had respected Marko's wishes after "a long and intensive conversation.

"Even though his departure will leave a significant gap, our respect for his decision and our gratitude for everything he has done for Red Bull Racing outweigh it," he added.