Sebastian Vettel remains a big name in Formula 1. © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

Will Sebastian Vettel join Red Bull?

Red Bull's soon-to-be 82-year-old motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has described Sebastian Vettel (37) as his "ideal successor candidate".

19 April 2025

From: apa

Marko didn't elaborate on how long the Austrian intends to continue his job on the sidelines of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. However, he told Sky broadcaster: "It's quite clear that at some point it won't be possible anymore – also due to his age." The travel strains are not insignificant.

Marko has been with Red Bull since its entry in the 2005 season – and has been practically indispensable. He himself drove in Formula 1971 in 1972 and 1. When a stone pierced his visor and he lost his left eye, his career was over.

More than 30 years later, the law graduate from Graz returned to Formula 1 as a motorsport consultant for Red Bull. He maintained a close friendship with Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who died in October 2022. Marko is also responsible for Red Bull's junior program, from which both Vettel and current Red Bull star Max Verstappen come.

Marko has high hopes for Vettel

"It would of course be great if a man like Sebastian would take over," Marko said of Vettel, a potential Red Bull motorsport advisor. The junior program is one thing. And Vettel already works with girls in karting. "The other thing, of course, is the overall strategic direction of such a Formula 1 team," Marko emphasized.

Helmut Marko considers Vettel his ideal successor. © ANSA / ALI HAIDER

Marko believes Vettel won't need a long adjustment period either. "He won't need a year. It's just two races, and he'll have it under control." After his promotion from the then Toro Rosso team (now Racing Bulls), Vettel drove for Red Bull from 2009 until the end of 2014. Then, as now, Christian Horner was the team principal.

Vettel won the Drivers' World Championship in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. Vettel retired after the 2022 season. In addition to his commitment to the environment, he is also committed to diversity in motorsport after his active career. This week, he organized the "Race2021Women" event in Jeddah for the second time, following the 4 event.