In a bold nod to the future, Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko has anointed four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel as his “ideal successor” to lead the team’s sprawling motorsport empire.
The Austrian’s declaration, made with his trademark candor, underscores Vettel’s deep ties to Red Bull, where he clinched four consecutive drivers’ titles from 2010 to 2013.
Marko, a towering figure in shaping talents like Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, or Daniel Ricciardo, sees Vettel as the natural heir to his pivotal role, blending strategic oversight with the nurturing of young drivers.
The Austrian’s comments came during an interview with Sky Germany, where he reflected on the demands of his position and the inevitability of passing the torch.
“I think he would be the ideal successor candidate,” Marko said of Vettel. “It is clear that at some point you can no longer do it, not least because of your age. Because those travel efforts are no small thing.”
At 81, Marko’s relentless globetrotting to oversee Red Bull’s motorsport programs—from F1 to its junior ranks—has been a cornerstone of the team’s dominance, but he acknowledges the physical toll.
A Seamless Fit for Vettel
Vettel, who retired from F1 at the end of 2022, has remained selective with his paddock appearances, focusing instead on environmental advocacy and initiatives like hosting a women-in-motorsport event in Saudi Arabia this week.
Yet Marko believes the 37-year-old German is ready to return to the heart of racing.
“Of course, it would be great if a guy like Sebastian could take over,” he stated. “You have the side of the junior program, he’s already working with girls here in the go-karts in Saudi Arabia.
“On the other side, of course, there’s the great strategic leadership of the Formula 1 team.”
Marko’s confidence in Vettel is rooted in their long history, having guided him through Red Bull’s junior ranks to global stardom.
And he sees the 53-time Grand Prix winner’s blend of experience and fresh perspective as perfect for the dual demands of talent development and high-level strategy.
“I don’t think he needs a year,” Marko asserted. “That’s two races and then he has it under control. But this is a new approach and I think Sebastian has found himself now.”
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The Austrian also highlighted Vettel’s clarity of purpose post-retirement.
“He knows what he wants to do in the future and that is first and foremost motor racing. He may be a forest owner in Austria with his own hunting grounds, but you can combine all that.”
This nod to the German’s off-track passions – balancing environmental projects with his love for racing – paints a picture of a man ready to channel his energies into Red Bull’s next chapter.
Vettel’s potential return to Red Bull in such a capacity would mark a homecoming for the driver who became a household name under Marko’s mentorship.
While no timeline was specified, the 1971 Le Mans 24 Hours winner’s endorsement signals a strategic move to ensure Red Bull’s motorsport legacy remains in trusted hands.
For now, the F1 world watches eagerly, wondering if Vettel will swap at some point in the future his forest trails for the fast lane of Red Bull’s command center.
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