Sebastian Vettel has explained why his experience as an ex-Formula 1 driver could enable him to be an ideal long-term replacement for Helmut Marko at Red Bull.
The German has spent a great deal of time away from F1 since his retirement from the sport at the end of 2022.
Vettel recently revealed he is in regular contact with former mentor Marko, the man who unearthed him as a teenager in Red Bull’s junior ranks.
The 38-year-old said that he has had informal talks with the Austrian about taking on a similar role, admitting that the 82-year-old is “not replaceable”.
Just last week, Vettel said that he has decided against any possibility of making a driving comeback, admitting it is time in F1 was “over”.
It appears that the chances of reappearing in the paddock would rely on taking on a mantle similar to Marko’s.
And in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Vettel gave reasons why he could be a potential replacement for Marko once he decides to retire.
“I know Helmut very well, and we’re also in contact,” he said.
“If that [replacing him] were to become more concrete, I would first have to become aware of the task that would lie ahead of me.”
“A decision would strongly depend on that. Based on my experience and profile, I certainly bring a certain level of expertise.”
Vettel, who recently talked about his contact with Lando Norris amid the Englishman’s psychological problems earlier in the season, outlined how his experience could be utilised by the next generation of drivers.
“As a young talent, it can be extremely valuable to have someone there who can help you,” he expanded.
“Not in the sense that they tell you where to brake, steer, or how to take the curb. He has to be able to do that himself.
“Advice in the mental area is more important. The four drivers currently leading Formula 1 are all capable of becoming World Champions.
“In the end, there will only be one, and there will be a reason for that.”
‘You mustn’t try to mould a driver into the next Hamilton or Schumacher’
Vettel cited a particular occasion he called on his hero and on-track competitor Michael Schumacher for an opinion on how to approach a particular part of the Suzuka circuit, saying that advice could only extend so far to a younger driver.
“I remember once calling Michael. He had already retired. I wanted to know from him how he drives the first sector in Suzuka, because he was always so strong there.
“He replied: ‘I have no idea. What am I supposed to tell you now?’ He didn’t describe in detail exactly how he approached all the corner, only that he drove the passage in a way that felt right to him. That’s what he relied on.”
“You can’t change people, you can only build on their strengths and work on their weaknesses.
“You also mustn’t try to mold a driver into the next Hamilton or Schumacher.”
“That doesn’t work. It’s more about perceiving people as they are, rather than advising them to shed one trait and adopt more of another.”
Verstappen green lights potential Vettel role
Max Verstappen, in many ways, took on Vettel’s mantle as Red Bull’s leading driver, and emulated him by replicating the same feat of winning four straight World Championships with the Milton Keynes-based squad.
When Vettel’s initial revelation of talks with Marko had taken place, ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix last month, Verstappen said it is natural for Vettel to be linked due to his stature, and greenlit the idea of a potential return.
“I mean, it’s more than normal that someone that has achieved so much with Red Bull, has been brought up by Red Bull, that, in a sense, there’s always a spot available, right?” Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week.
“I think also, Seb always kept a really good relationship with Helmut anyway, even when he left.
“So, I didn’t know that they were talking, but I’m sure that there’s always a space for Seb in any kind of form.”
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