Vettel suggests that Red Bull's future might be 'challenging.'

      "What is happening goes beyond just infrastructure and personnel."

      Sebastian Vettel is more optimistic than others regarding the future of the Red Bull team. Once a dominating presence, Red Bull is currently facing challenges due to internal disputes and the departure of key staff members. According to former team driver Robert Doornbos, the team's survival hinges on Max Verstappen's exceptional skill. "He’s working wonders with that car and that team," Doornbos shared with Ziggo Sport. "Without Max, they would already be in the midfield, or even at the back. He pulls off miracle after miracle, but it can’t last forever." Many believe that this might change in 2026 when Red Bull loses its works Honda engines to Aston Martin and introduces its own Red Bull-Ford power units under the new regulations. Similar to Verstappen, the retired Vettel won four consecutive world championships with Red Bull before a significant regulation overhaul. Will Verstappen face the same fate? "It's hard to say," Vettel commented on the RTL program Sport am Sonntag. "In terms of structure and personnel, Red Bull is in a solid position. The situation isn't solely about infrastructure and personnel." He noted, "McLaren has seen significant development recently. Red Bull is no longer the powerhouse it once was. However, even though things are more challenging now, Max and the team aren't too far off from the top." At 37, Vettel acknowledges that the 2026 engine regulations pose a significant uncertainty for Red Bull. "It might turn out fine," he stated, "or it could become tougher in the coming years." There has been considerable speculation about Vettel taking up the advisory position currently held by his and Verstappen’s 82-year-old mentor, Dr. Helmut Marko. Vettel expressed his interest in rejoining the team. "We’ll see what role that could be," he said. On the other hand, Marko asserted: "Helmut is irreplaceable, let’s put it that way. What a character. He has made a tremendous contribution since 2005." Rumors have persisted about Marko contemplating retirement or facing pressure from potential successors. "He’s still around, and I hope he continues to work for a long time," Vettel remarked. Nevertheless, Vettel acknowledges that Marko's age is a consideration. "He’s completely realistic," he said. "I understand his position very well, and he knows what he’s doing. I continue to learn a great deal from him. It’s also possible that his role could be filled in a different way." Another point raised to Vettel was that the current issue at Red Bull might stem from team principal Christian Horner. "I don’t know," Vettel replied. "I’ve been away from the team for too long. Some engineers from my time are still there, and I’m still in contact with Christian as well. I recognize that a lot has changed since my time with the team. It has grown even larger, for one thing."