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Sebastian Vettel Red Bull Return: Helmut Marko Names "Ideal Successor"
Could we see Sebastian Vettel back on the grid in Red Bull Racing's Team Advisor Role?
The F1 paddock is buzzing with some juicy gossip that might just bring four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel back to Red Bull Racing, not as a driver, but in a pivotal management role that could reshape the team's future.
The Sweet Scoop: Marko Names Vettel as "Ideal Successor"
Remember when Sebastian Vettel bid farewell to Formula 1 at the end of 2022? We all shed a tear watching the four-time world champion walk away from the sport. But it looks like Seb might not be done with the paddock after all - just don't expect to see him back behind the wheel of an F1 car.
Red Bull's 81-year-old motorsport advisor Helmut Marko recently identified Sebastian Vettel as his "ideal successor" when he eventually decides to retire. "I think he would be the ideal successor candidate," Marko told Sky Germany during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend. The Austrian has been a fixture at Red Bull since the team entered F1 in 2005, overseeing their young driver program and playing a crucial role in team strategy. But let's be real - everyone has to retire someday, and Marko is starting to think about his legacy.
Why Vettel Makes Perfect Sense for Red Bull's Future
When you think about it, who better to take over from Marko than the driver who delivered Red Bull their first four world championships between 2010-2013? The German knows the team inside out, understands what it takes to develop champion drivers, and still carries enormous respect throughout the Formula 1 paddock.
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has voiced his support for Vettel taking on this role, saying "This would be a great story if Sebastian Vettel replaced Helmut Marko and I think he would do a great job." Herbert added that it "would be good for F1" to have Vettel back in such a prominent role. We couldn't agree more, Johnny!
A Different Approach?
One of the most intriguing aspects of this potential change would be the difference in management styles. Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle commented that Vettel would bring "a somewhat different style" compared to Marko's notoriously tough approach.
While Marko is famous for those brutally early morning phone calls to underperforming drivers (we've all had that boss!), Vettel has spent his post-F1 life building bee hotels and championing environmental causes. He even hosted a women's motorsport event in Saudi Arabia recently - something we at Milkshake are totally here for!
This shift in approach could be exactly what Red Bull needs right now. Let's face it, - Red Bull hasn't exactly had the best track record with nurturing talent in that second seat. Just look at the revolving door of drivers who've struggled alongside Max: Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly,Liam Lawson and now the pressure on the likes of Yuki Tsunoda.
Seb is widely known as one of the most beloved figures in the paddock, almost like a "work dad" to many younger drivers. His more nurturing approach could help reshape the perception that Red Bull is too cutthroat and doesn't know how to properly develop young talent. After all, not everyone thrives under that tough love approach!
When Could This Happen?
Don't expect any immediate changes. Despite the swirling rumors, there's been what motorsport.com describes as a "ceasefire" since early last year when Max Verstappen made it clear that if Marko went, he would follow as soon as contractually able.
But here's the juicy gossip we've been hearing in the paddock - some insiders are suggesting that Helmut could be leaving Red Bull as early as the end of the 2025 season. While his contract reportedly runs until the end of 2027, we all know how quickly things can change in F1.
The timing would actually make sense given all the internal politics at Red Bull since Dietrich Mateschitz's passing. And with Marko turning 82 this year, who could blame him for wanting to enjoy his retirement?
What's In It For Vettel? Motorsport Remains His "First Priority"
Since retiring from Formula 1 in 2022, Vettel has clearly been searching for meaningful ways to stay connected to motorsport while balancing family time and his environmental passions. According to Marko, "Sebastian has found himself now. He knows what he wants to do in the future and that is first and foremost motor racing."
The Red Bull advisor even suggested Vettel would adapt quickly to the role: "I don't think he needs a year. That's two races and then he has it under control." While Seb has been focused on environmental initiatives and recently hosted a women's karting event in Saudi Arabia, this role would allow him to remain involved with the sport he loves without the relentless schedule of a driver, while also giving him a platform to continue advocating for positive change in F1.
Our Take
If this rumor becomes reality, it could be the perfect next chapter for both Vettel and Red Bull. Imagine the headlines if the drivers he mentors go on to achieve the same success he did? That's the kind of full-circle moment we live for.
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