Former Red Bull driver and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel is hinting at a return to the Austrian racing team. Top advisor Helmut Marko, who recently celebrated his 82nd birthday, has previously named the German star as his ideal successor. Since then, the two have been in close contact and are considering a potential role for Vettel within the team. Current Red Bull champion Max Verstappen, for one, welcomes Vettel to the team.
“I still get along very well with Helmut (Marko) and we are also discussing a possible comeback,” Sebastian Vettel recently confirmed on Sport am Sonntag, the podcast of Austrian broadcaster ORF. “The talks are not very intense or deep yet, but it could well be that I will play a role within the team. In what form, that remains to be seen.” The German star retired from Formula 1 in 2022, after a final stint with Aston Martin.
Max Verstappen was asked about a possible return of Vettel during a press conference prior to the Austrian Grand Prix. “It’s more than logical that someone with his history is still interested in Red Bull,” the Dutchman confirmed. “And there is definitely a place for him. He still has good contact with Helmut Marko. I didn’t know they had talked about this, but as I said, he can always come to us.” Before Verstappen won four world titles, Vettel was crowned champion with Red Bull four times in a row between 2010 and 2013.
