Sebastian Vettel – four-time Formula 1 world champion – spoke openly about his relationship with Helmut Marko following recent talk of a potential succession. The former driver revealed that he is still in contact with his Red Bull mentor, even though more than ten years have passed since his move from the Milton Keynes-based team to Ferrari.
In an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF, Sebastian Vettel shared his thoughts on possibly replacing Marko at Red Bull and taking on the role of motorsport advisor for the team.
Even now, the 37-year-old German holds great respect for Red Bull, the team with which he won four consecutive titles from 2010 to 2013 before joining the Maranello squad. If he were to return to the F1 paddock one day as an advisor for his former team, Helmut Marko would still remain a key reference figure for him.
Sebastian Vettel’s statements
Helmut Marko is particularly well-known for his role at Red Bull, where he is also responsible for the junior driver program and plays a key role in the team’s driver decisions. He was instrumental in developing talents such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
The German champion stated: “I’ve always had a special relationship with Helmut, we still keep in touch regularly.”
“We have an open dialogue, although it’s not yet to the point where we’re seriously discussing any involvement of mine in the team’s future,” Sebastian Vettel admitted.
In recent months, one of the most talked-about topics has been the possibility of Vettel returning to the sport. There’s speculation about the 37-year-old taking on a role within the Red Bull family, with some even seeing him as Marko’s successor. However, Sebastian Vettel is not fueling these rumors or raising fans’ expectations.
The former driver explained: “It’s not a conversation that needs to happen right now. But if and when the time comes, whoever takes on that role will experience it differently, because Helmut is one of a kind.”
“I think we all still have a lot to learn from him. His experience, his instinct for talent, and his personality have defined an era. And frankly, I think it’s impossible to fully replace him. Helmut doesn’t have a clone—he’s simply irreplaceable,” concluded the four-time world champion.
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