Sebastian Vettel in Talks to Succeed Helmut Marko as Red Bull Advisor
Former Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has revealed that he is in discussions with Red Bull’s Helmut Marko about potentially stepping into the shoes of the Austrian as an advisor to the Red Bull F1 team in the future.
Marko, whose contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2026, has not confirmed whether he will continue beyond that season when he will be 84 years old. Vettel expressed his thoughts on the matter, stating, “There have been some headlines, and I still get on really well with Helmut. We’re also in contact about this, though maybe not so intensively or in-depth yet, but it’s possible.”
While Vettel remains unsure if Marko will indeed retire at the end of his current contract, he acknowledged Marko’s contributions, saying, “He’s quite a character and has made a very big contribution to what the whole team has achieved over the years since 2005.”
Should Vettel take on the role of Red Bull advisor, he hinted at bringing a different approach compared to Marko. He emphasized that Marko is irreplaceable but expressed the importance of carrying on the work he has put in over the years.
As Vettel follows F1 from a distance after retiring in 2022, he shared his interest in observing the dynamics and psychology behind the drivers’ behaviors rather than focusing on technical details. He mentioned, “I’m extremely curious to see who thinks in what way at the moment. Observing all of that is a lot of fun for me.”
Marko, when asked about the talks with Vettel, hinted at the succession plan being a topic for the company’s shareholders. He mentioned that while there are individuals interested in the role, the focus for now is on improving performance on the track.
The potential transition of Vettel into a new role within Red Bull could mark a significant shift in the team’s dynamics and decision-making processes. As fans eagerly await further developments, the future of Red Bull’s advisory team remains open to exciting possibilities.
