Max Verstappen backs Sebastian Vettel for potential Red Bull advisory role
Max Verstappen Backs Sebastian Vettel for Red Bull Advisor Role
Max Verstappen expressed his support for Sebastian Vettel potentially joining Red Bull as an advisor, following recent comments from the four-time Formula 1 champion regarding the possibility of succeeding Helmut Marko in the role.
Marko, 82, has been a cornerstone of the Red Bull racing operation. A former driver whose career was cut short after losing vision in one eye during a tragic accident at the 1972 French Grand Prix, Marko has been a trusted advisor and strategist for the team. His contract with Red Bull runs through the end of 2024, but speculation continues regarding who might fill his shoes should he decide to retire.
Vettel, 37, is a household name in the Red Bull legacy, having captured four consecutive world championships with the team from 2010 to 2013. After his retirement in 2022, following stints at Ferrari and Aston Martin, Vettel now appears to be keeping a watchful eye on potential opportunities to return to the sport in an advisory capacity.
Verstappen Endorses Vettel's Potential Return
Speaking at the Austrian Grand Prix on Thursday, Verstappen shared his thoughts on the prospect of welcoming Vettel back to the organization:
"It's more than normal that someone that has achieved so much with Red Bull, has been brought up by Red Bull [should return]," Verstappen said when asked about the subject. "In a sense there's always a spot available, right?"
The reigning world champion highlighted the strong relationship between Vettel and Marko, suggesting that their mutual respect and long-standing connection could make a seamless transition possible:
"I think also Seb always kept a really good relationship with Helmut anyway, even when he left," Verstappen added. "I didn't know that of course they were talking but I'm sure that there's always a space for Seb in any kind of form."
Vettel Open to an Advisory Role
Vettel himself recently addressed the rumors in an interview with Austria's ORF television, revealing ongoing conversations about the matter. While he emphasized these discussions may not yet be detailed, he didn’t rule out the possibility of stepping into Marko's shoes in the future:
"We're in contact about this, though maybe not so intensively or in-depth yet, but it's possible," Vettel said.
He also expressed his admiration for Marko’s resilience and his contribution to Red Bull’s legacy:
"He's already said a few times that he'd stop, but he's still here, and I wish him all the best so that he stays around for a very long time."
Marko Hints at Succession Plans
Marko himself commented on Vettel’s close engagement with Formula 1 and Red Bull-related matters. Speaking to Austria's Kleine Zeitung, he confirmed that Vettel remains deeply connected and hinted at succession discussions:
"The question of succession is also one of the issues," Marko noted.
Marko has long been an influential figure for Red Bull, serving as the late Austrian owner Dietrich Mateschitz’s trusted representative within the F1 paddock and spearheading the team’s young driver development program. During Vettel’s championship years, Marko formed a powerful leadership trio alongside principal Christian Horner and technical guru Adrian Newey—a dynamic that propelled the team to its dominating successes.
Could Vettel Be the Perfect Successor?
While Vettel’s potential return is far from official, his legacy with Red Bull coupled with his wealth of experience makes him a fitting candidate to help guide the team’s future direction. Should Marko step down after his contract ends, Vettel might just be the perfect figure to continue Red Bull’s tradition of excellence.
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