Is Sebastian Vettel making a comeback to Formula 1? The former Red Bull driver has already had several discussions with advisor Helmut Marko about a potential new role at his old employer. The Austrian even identified Vettel as the ideal successor. However, according to Ralf Schumacher, the plan is now completely off the table. ‘He received a clear rejection,’ reveals the former driver.
Sebastian Vettel drove for Red Bull between 2009 and 2014, a tenure that proved highly beneficial for the Austrian racing team. The German driver won the driver’s title four times in a row and helped Red Bull secure the constructors’ championship for three consecutive years. Eight years later, at the end of 2022, Vettel left the sport of Formula 1. Whether the German world champion is now completely done with the premier class is still a question. As recently as April, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko named Vettel as his ‘ideal successor’.
Although the four-time world champion initially doubted whether he could follow in Marko’s footsteps – ‘There is only one Helmut’ – discussions have since taken place between Marko and Vettel about a possible role for the latter at Red Bull. Max Verstappen, at least, is already a fan of the idea. According to the driver, there is ‘always room’ for his predecessor at Red Bull.
Vettel Rejected
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has a less optimistic view of Vettel’s prospects. According to the current analyst, the former F1 driver has been rejected by his old employer. “Well, Sebastian Vettel, I don’t think that’s the case,” he tells Sport1. “I think that was a one-sided story. As far as I’ve heard, he also received a clear rejection and therefore it’s not up for discussion.”
