Sebastian Vettel has not ruled out a potential return to the Red Bull team. Helmut Marko, who at 82 years old feels his retirement rapidly approaching, previously identified the four-time world champion as his ideal successor. Vettel emphasizes that he is certainly not Helmut Marko, but he does leave the door ajar for a new career within the Red Bull ranks. However, he remains vague about the role he would play.
In the run-up to his eighty-second birthday, Helmut Marko announced that his retirement is drawing near. The years are starting to take their toll on the Austrian top advisor, who also has an exceptionally busy schedule with twenty-four Grand Prix. The German star won four world titles with the Austrian racing team, but hung up his racing suit in 2022.
Many Formula 1 fans see Vettel as the perfect successor, especially for Red Bull’s training team. Helmut Marko has long cared for young talents hoping to break through with the team. In a conversation with Austrian broadcaster ORF, Vettel confirmed that he has spoken with Marko about a possible role at Red Bull. “I still get along well with Helmut, and we talk a lot,” said the 37-year-old former driver. “Regarding that topic (succeeding Marko), we have not had in-depth discussions, but that could potentially play a role in the future.”
‘Helmut Marko is Irreplaceable’
“It remains to be seen in what form,” Vettel added. “After all, Marko has said a few times that he would retire, but he’s still there. And I hope he will stay for a long time.” For now, Vettel is not pressuring himself to succeed Marko, even though he is well acquainted with his duties. “At some point, life inevitably goes on – Helmut realizes this too,” the four-time world champion explained. “He is a realist and can assess everything very well. I think he knows when it’s time to retire.”
“Marko is irreplaceable – let’s make that clear. He is a unique character and has made a huge contribution to Red Bull’s success since 2005,” Vettel concluded. “Whoever his successor is, it would be nice if all the effort he has put in is not lost. I still know his position well from my time at Red Bull. I must also admit that I have not interfered much with Helmut in recent years, although I have an idea of what he does exactly.”
