Helmut Marko announced he would be leaving his role at Red Bull following the end of the Formula 1 season
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Sebastian Vettel previously worked with Helmut Marko at Red Bull(Image: Adam Pretty, Getty Images)
Red Bull have reportedly dismissed the possibility of appointing Sebastian Vettel following speculation that the four-time world champion could replace Helmut Marko. Marko left the successful F1 team on Tuesday after Red Bull failed to secure the Drivers’ Championship.
Max Verstappen narrowly lost out on a fifth consecutive world title to McLaren’s Lando Norris. Motorsport adviser Marko has been part of Red Bull since their F1 venture began in 2005 and has played a crucial role in their sporting achievements.
The Austrian announced his departure in a statement: “Narrowly missing out on the World Championship this season has moved me deeply and made it clear to me that now is the right moment for me personally to end this very long, intense, and successful chapter.”
Following his decision to step down, there have been rumours about who could replace the 82-year-old. One of the names linked with the role has been Vettel, who won four world titles with Red Bull during his career.
The 38-year-old is open to a move into management and his previous connections to the team have seen him tipped as the leading contender to replace Marko. It remains unknown whether the position would interest Vettel.
Both Marko and Vettel have acknowledged previous discussions regarding the German possibly re-joining Red Bull. However, according to BILD, no immediate return is expected as senior figures have no plans to fill Marko’s role.
Vettel, who retired from F1 in 2022, has remained deeply involved in the sport. He has also used his platform to highlight significant issues, particularly environmental projects.
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Vettel has been linked with replacing Marko at Red Bull(Image: Simon Galloway/LAT Images vis Getty Images)
In a recent interview with Sky Sports F1 at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the German confirmed his long-standing interest in taking on a role within the sport. He also addressed the speculation of a future move to Red Bull.
“I don’t know, I read as well there was a lot of talk about it and so on, and I did speak with Helmut a little bit, but it never got anywhere, never gained any traction,” Vettel admitted.
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Max Verstappen missed out on a fifth world title for Red Bull(Image: Ahmad AlShehab/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
He added: “I don’t know, if the right opportunity, position, perspective, whatever, turns up or could turn up, maybe there’s a role that I could be happy to step up to. Time will tell.”
Red Bull driver Verstappen ended the season by winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, a third place finish for Norris saw the McLaren driver clinch his first world title by two points.
