Sebastian Vettel has recently completed a management course at the prestigious Harvard University. The four-time world champion undertook a four-day program focusing on the business aspects of entertainment, media, and sports. His new qualification could potentially hint at a future career within Formula 1. Red Bull’s top advisor, Helmut Marko, has previously referred to Vettel as his ‘ideal successor’ in talent scouting.
According to the Harvard Business School website, the course Vettel attended is described as an advanced business course, emphasizing leadership, management, networking, and professional development. The 37-year-old German seems to be preparing himself for a new role within motorsports. In recent years, he has primarily focused on societal issues and has actively engaged in charitable work, including environmental causes.
However, a return to Red Bull is not ruled out. Helmut Marko has once labeled Vettel as his ‘ideal replacement’. The 82-year-old Austrian realizes that his retirement is approaching. “In all his Formula 1 teams, he (Vettel) has been a brilliant strategist,” Marko said to Sky Sports in April. “It would be great if he could take over my job one day. He wouldn’t need a year for that – he would have it under control after two races. Vettel knows what he wants to do in the future, and that is primarily motorsports,” Marko assured.
Inspiring Challenge
Vettel later responded to Marko’s offer in the Backstage Boxengasse podcast. “I think there’s only one Helmut,” the German grinned. “That’s really his role,” he indicated, not immediately jumping at the chance to join Red Bull. However, he did not completely dismiss the idea: “The challenge is quite inspiring, and of course, Helmut’s and my experiences are similar in some ways. He also grew up in motorsports – in a very different era, but essentially, the wheel still turns in the same way.” He added, “Red Bull also needs to develop in a new, different direction.”
Sebastian Vettel retired at the end of 2022. Between 2010 and 2013, he won four world titles with Red Bull. Later, he swapped the Austrians for the Ferrari team, following in the footsteps of his idol Michael Schumacher. With 53 victories, Vettel remains one of the most successful Formula 1 drivers in history. Only Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, and Max Verstappen have won more Grand Prix.
