Max Verstappen has thrown his full support behind the idea of Sebastian Vettel returning to Red Bull in a leadership role, following growing speculation that the four-time world champion could eventually succeed Helmut Marko as the team’s senior advisor.
The 82-year-old Austrian revealed this week that Vettel is keeping “a very close eye” on developments while the retired German driver himself – who won all of his four titles with Red Bull – recently admitted to enjoying a few exchanges with Marko on the topic of his succession.
Vettel has remained largely out of the spotlight since retiring from F1 at the end of the 2022 season but Red Bull is widely seen as a natural landing spot should he opt for a return to the sport in a non-driving capacity.
“There’s always a space for Seb”
Speaking at the drivers' press conference ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull’s home race – Verstappen was unequivocal in his endorsement of Vettel’s potential return to the team.
“It's more than normal that someone that has achieved so much with Red Bull, who has been brought up by Red Bull that... there's always a spot available [for them],” the Dutchman said.
Despite their generational gap, Verstappen acknowledged Vettel’s enduring legacy within the team and his strong relationship with Marko.
“Seb always kept a really good relationship with Helmut, even when he left [the team],” he added. “I didn't know that they were talking, but I'm sure that there's always a space for Seb in any kind or form.”
Marko’s Succession Plans and Vettel’s Candidacy
Marko, a pivotal figure in Red Bull’s Formula 1 and young driver programme operations, has been instrumental in shaping the team’s success over the past two decades.
But the question of the former Grand Prix driver’s succession has become inevitable. In an interview with the Kleine Zeitung earlier this week, Marko outlined the challenges of identifying his replacement.
“The question of succession is one of those questions too... let’s put it this way, there are plenty of people who want to follow.
“But the profile we need is very broad and very demanding – it's set at the highest level. And the two shareholders, Mark Mateschitz and Chalerm Yoovidhya, are there as well with their own ideas.”
While Marko did not confirm specific discussions about the position, he hinted at Vettel’s keen interest in Red Bull’s operations.
“We’re not talking specifically about the position, but [Sebastian] is keeping a very close eye on everything.”
Read also: Vettel confirms talks with Marko over Red Bull returnVettel’s legacy at Red Bull remains one of the most successful in modern F1 history. His dominance between 2010 and 2013 established the Milton Keynes-based team as a championship powerhouse.
A return in a senior management or advisory capacity would mark a full-circle moment for both the team and Vettel himself.
With Verstappen now equalling Vettel’s title tally, the Dutchman’s vocal support could be a sign of continuity and respect for Red Bull’s rich lineage of champions.
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