Sebastian Vettel has responded to the departure of Helmut Marko from Red Bull. The former Red Bull driver was contracted by the Austrian for the Austrian racing team’s training program before he won four world titles for the team. For Vettel, the departure of the now former executive came as a surprise. In addition, the German is also being mentioned again as a possible successor to Marko.
Sebastian Vettel drove for Red Bull between 2009 and 2014, during which time he secured four world titles for the Austrians. The German driver was contracted by the now former senior advisor Helmut Marko for Red Bull’s training program before he was promoted to the Formula 1 team. The Austrian thus played a key role in Vettel’s career, who did not see the advisor’s departure coming.
“I was just as surprised as everyone else,” the world champion tells F1-Insider. “I wish Helmut all the best for the future and a well-deserved retirement.” The German former driver then had some kind words for the departed executive. “He is the architect of the success of Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls),” says Vettel. “Not only when it came to choosing drivers – important decisions about the team composition, the staff, and the strategy were also his.”
Possible Successor to Marko?
With Marko’s departure, rumors about a possible return of Vettel himself to Formula 1 are also surfacing. After all, the German was previously identified by Marko as his ‘ideal successor’. Vettel himself said in the Beyond The Grid podcast that he is not against the idea. “Well, I would probably say that I’m not the typical office worker. Not yet!” the German joked at the time. “It very much depends on the role. This is the sport I know. This is the field I know. I think time will tell if something suitable comes my way. I certainly don’t rule it out. It could be very interesting. But in that regard, I’m in no hurry.”
