Helmut Marko has touted former Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel as the “ideal” candidate to replace him as an advisor at Red Bull in the future.
Vettel, who retired from F1 in 2022, was one of the young drivers who was plucked by Marko to join its junior ranks early in his career.
After one season with Toro Rosso in 2008 – winning the Italian Grand Prix – Vettel joined the lead Red Bull team, and went on to win all four of his Drivers’ titles with the Milton Keynes squad.
The German has remained very much in the F1 community since his retirement, his most recent appearance coming in Jeddah, where he led a grassroots karting initiative for women.
Speaking to Sky Germany, Marko, 81, intimated that Vettel would be his chosen successor when he decides to step back from his duties.
“I think he would be the ideal successor candidate,” he said.
“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.”
“Of course, it would be great if a guy like Sebastian could take over. 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 his Formula 1 team.”
Vettel ‘knows what he wants to do’ post-retirement
Marko was clear in his assessment of Vettel, indicating that he is ready and willing to take on such a role and would also be able to get up to speed quickly.
And despite his own willingness to have a sense of quiet and private retirement, Marko believes Vettel would be able to balance that as well as a role such as this.
“I don’t think he needs a year,” he said. “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.”
“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.”
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