Sebastian Vettel "in contact" with Helmut Marko over F1 successor role 

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel says he is in early talks with Helmut Marko over succeeding the Austrian as an advisor to the Red Bull F1 team in the future.

Marko's contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2026 and the Austrian has yet to confirm whether he wants to continue in his role beyond that season, when he will be 84.

Marko was initially brought in at the start of the brand's F1 adventure in 2005 to be Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz's eyes and ears, and soon became an integral part of the squad's decision making – particularly about its F1 driver line-ups and young driver programs.

When asked by Austrian broadcaster ORF about the idea of becoming Marko's successor, Vettel replied: "I don’t know. There have been some headlines, and I still get on really well with Helmut. We’re also in contact about this, though maybe not so intensively or in-depth yet, but it’s possible. What form that might take will have to be seen.”

But Vettel isn't convinced quite yet that Marko will walk away at the end of his current contract. “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,” the German added.

Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull Motorsport Consultant, Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Mark Thompson - Getty Images

“But of course, eventually time catches up with everyone, and I believe he knows that too. He’s a brutally realistic guy and is very good at sizing up situations. I think he’ll recognise when the time is right.”

If Vettel does end up taking on a role as a Red Bull advisor, he is likely to have a very different approach to Marko. "I don’t think he’s replaceable, let’s put it that way," the former world champion said.

"He’s quite a character and has made a very big contribution to what the whole team has achieved over the years since 2005.

"And I don’t think the goal is to have someone come in who simply replaces him. But maybe, whoever it is, it would be nice if the work he’s put in is carried on. There’s a lot that can still be learned from him and the role will inevitably be filled differently."

Vettel said he is still following F1 from a distance after his retirement from the series at the end of 2022, but he is more interested in observing his former colleagues than in mulling over technical details. "I definitely [don't watch] every session, but I do keep up," the 37-year-old added.

"I’m probably less interested in which tyre compound lasts how long, and much more in what makes the drivers tick — the dynamics and the psychology behind it. I’m extremely curious to see who thinks in what way at the moment. Observing all of that is a lot of fun for me."

When asked about the talks with Vettel, Marko told Kleine Zeitung the question of his long-term succession is one for the company's shareholders. "We’re not talking specifically about the position, but [Sebastian] is keeping a very close eye on everything," Marko said.

"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. Until the summer break, though, we’re focused first and foremost on closing the gap [with McLaren].

"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."