Sebastian Vettel breaks silence on potentially replacing Helmut Marko at Red Bull

Four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel responded to Dr. Helmut Marko's claims that the 37-year=old would be his ideal successor at Red Bull.

Sebastian Vettel breaks silence on potentially replacing Helmut Marko at Red Bull

Helmut Marko (via Autosport) and Sebastian Vettel (via Getty images)

Sebastian Vettel is one of the most loved drivers in recent F1 history. The German driver won hearts of fans during the last couple of years on the grid, with his off-track activities. Since his retirement in 2022, fans have wished to see Vettel back in the F1 paddock. Now, the four-time world champion has responded to Dr. Helmut Marko‘s wish of succeeding him at Red Bull Racing.

Helmut Marko, the Red Bull Motorsport Consultant, has shaped the F1 operations of Milton Keynes in the past two decades. The 81-year-old has a say in all major decisions at Red Bull and its sister team Racing Bulls. However, Marko has opened up on potentially retiring from his role in the near future. The Austrian named Sebastian Vettel as his ideal successor for Milton Keynes.

Sebastian Vettel acknowledged that Helmut Marko was one of the most unique individuals in the paddock with a special role. Vettel was in contact with Marko and he recognised his similarities with the Austrian. The two worked together during the German driver’s journey from junior categories to the championship-winning years at Milton Keynes.

There is only one Helmut and the role is quite clear. But yes, I think that in general, the exchange was very inspiring and of course, the experiences that I have and Helmut has are similar in a certain way.

Sebastian Vettel told Backstage Boxengasse podcast

Moreover, the four-time world champion left the door open for potentially taking over Marko’s role. Sebastian Vettel recalled the time he asked the Austrian over his future in the paddock. Vettel hinted that post-Marko, Red Bull could need a new direction, possibly showing some interest in bringing a new perspective to the team.

Whether that’s something for the future, we’ll see. I’m still in contact with him, I asked him how much longer he wanted to do it a few years ago, and he said not that much longer, and he’s still doing it. So, as long as he still enjoys it and feels up to the job… It will be a shame if he leaves at some point, but of course the team then has to develop in a new, different direction.

Sebastian Vettel explained

Sebastian Vettel reveals family reason behind no F1 return

Vettel’s retirement in 2022 was a massive blow to fans. Many hoped that the four-time world champion would return to the grid in the near future. Rumors suggested that the 37-year-old might be a real option for Audi’s 2026 entry. While Sebastian Vettel was in talks with potentially racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last year with Porsche.

Sebastian Vettel imago
Sebastian Vettel (via imago)

None of these talks ever came to fruition. Now, the German has given a rather warm reason why he is unlikely to make a comeback as a racing driver again. Since retiring from the sport, Sebastian Vettel has been able to spend a lot more time with his kids. So much so, that Vettel’s children have made it clear that they don’t want him to go back to racing.

My children have indicated that I am not allowed to drive anymore. They really like me being there, and of course that’s great to hear.

Sebastian Vettel told Sky Germany

Over the past two years, Sebastian Vettel has managed to spend a lot more time with his family, courtesy of no more travelling due to his F1 commitments. In the meantime, the four-time world champion has not stopped his other endeavors. The German driver has continued to promote sustainable fuels with his classic F1 car runs. Vettel has also continued to promote racing for women in Saudi Arabia. He is satisfied with his new lifestyle.

I’ve managed to find a rhythm outside of F1, well, and I have managed to keep the sweet peace in the family! I’ve gotten used to my new life.

Sebastian Vettel stated

Certainly, fans would love to see the four-time world champion back on the grid in any capacity. It is unlikely that Vettel would ever return as a driver. Although, it seems that the 37-year-old is interested in potentially filling the shoes of Helmut Marko in the near future.

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