Marko identifies his 'perfect successor' for the Red Bull position.

      "I believe he has sufficient knowledge about that."

      Sebastian Vettel would represent an "ideal successor," according to Red Bull team advisor Dr. Helmut Marko. Although now retired and having briefly considered a return to racing, the four-time world champion Vettel has remained connected to Formula 1 and is currently in Saudi Arabia this week and weekend. Meanwhile, speculation about Max Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull is growing, and 81-year-old Marko recently suggested that it might be the perfect time for him to depart from the sport for good. "It’s clear that at some point it won’t be feasible anymore, especially considering my age," the Austrian stated to Sky Deutschland in Jeddah. "It would certainly be wonderful if someone like Sebastian took over," Marko continued. He mentioned that the 37-year-old Vettel would oversee Red Bull’s notorious junior driver program. "The other role, of course, is the overall strategic direction of such a Formula 1 team," he elaborated. "I believe he has adequate knowledge in that area as well."

      Since Vettel's retirement at the end of 2022, Marko has suggested on multiple occasions that the German showed interest in racing again. On Saturday, Marko remarked: "I think Sebastian has found his path now. He understands what he wants to do in the future. Motorsport is his top priority. He is also a forest owner in Austria with a private hunting ground, but he can manage all that," Marko added with a smile. Marko is confident that Vettel would quickly adapt to the new role. "He wouldn’t need a year – just two races, and he’ll have it mastered," he asserted.

      In response to Marko’s surprising comments, Vettel chuckled: "I think there’s only one Helmut. His role is truly unique." Nevertheless, the former Red Bull and Ferrari driver does not entirely dismiss the possibility. "Today, Formula 1 revolves around similar aspects as it did in the past. Whether it’s something for the future, we’ll have to see," he noted. "I asked him about this a few years ago as well," Vettel shared when questioned about Marko's potential retirement. "At that time, he mentioned he wouldn’t be doing this much longer. Yet, he’s still here! As long as he enjoys it and can manage it, this is a distinctive role for him," Vettel commented. "Sometimes we might question, 'How did this or that happen?' But he has a fundamentally different perspective and experiences. It would be unfortunate if he ever stepped down or lost his position, but it would naturally have to evolve in a new and different direction."