Sebastian Vettel in Talks to Succeed Helmut Marko as Red Bull Advisor
Sebastian Vettel, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, is reportedly in preliminary discussions with Helmut Marko concerning a potential succession plan within the Red Bull Racing team. Marko’s contract runs through the end of the 2026 season, after which he will be 84. Although he has hinted at retirement, he has not confirmed plans to step down.
Marko has been pivotal to Red Bull’s strategy since its entry into F1 in 2005, particularly regarding driver selections and talent development. When asked about the possibility of taking over from Marko, Vettel stated, "I don’t know. There have been some headlines… we’re in contact about this, though maybe not so intensively or in-depth yet."
Vettel remains skeptical that Marko will retire upon the expiration of his contract. He remarked, “He’s already said a few times that he’d stop, but he’s still here… I wish him all the best so that he stays around for a very long time.”
Should Vettel assume an advisory role, he indicated his approach would differ from Marko’s. "I don’t think he’s replaceable… He’s made a very big contribution to what the whole team has achieved over the years," Vettel noted.
Marko confirmed the ongoing conversations, emphasizing that succession planning, while necessary, is ultimately a question for Red Bull’s shareholders. “We’re not talking specifically about the position, but [Sebastian] is keeping a very close eye on everything,” he stated, while underscoring the team’s focus on competitive performance as they aim to close the gap with leading competitors.
As Vettel observes the F1 landscape from retirement, his interest lies more in driver dynamics than the technical nuances of races, reflecting on the mental aspects that drive performance.
The future of the Red Bull advisory role remains a topic of significant importance within the organization as they prepare for the next phase of their Formula 1 journey.
