Helmut Marko clearly addresses rumors that Sebastian Vettel will replace him at Red Bull

Helmut Marko has directly addressed speculation linking Sebastian Vettel with a future advisory role at Red Bull. Marko has stepped away from Red Bull, the Formula 1 team he helped build for more than two decades. Speaking from Austria, the 82-year-old made it clear he did not see Vettel as a realistic successor within the Red Bull structure.

Marko officially left Red Bull at the end of the 2025 season, ending a 21-year career that defined the team’s junior driver program. his the exit came after a turbulent period marked by internal disagreements, scrutiny over his public comments and shifting power dynamics, following the departure of key figures from the organization, such as Christian Horner.

Although Red Bull management have indicated that his role would not be directly replaced, his absence immediately fueled discussion about whether a familiar name could fill an advisory capacity. Those rumors centered on Vettel, Red Bull’s four-time world champion and one of the most successful graduates of Marko’s junior system.

Asked by OE24 if he could imagine Vettel taking on a role at the team, Marko said:

“I rather doubt it. He doesn’t have enough supports. Especially with his, let’s say, anti-mobility position, it would make it difficult.”

When pressed harder Sebastian Vettel potentially using the platform to promote environmental initiatives, Marko doubled down:

“But that would not increase the efficiency of the drivers.”

Since retiring from F1 in 2022, Vettel has become increasingly active in sustainability and climate advocacy. His rare appearance at the São Paulo Grand Prix was to launch his “Forest – Drawn Together” project.which encouraged fans, drivers and team staff to draw trees as symbols of shared environmental responsibility.

That explains Marko’s comments, which were aimed less at Sebastian Vettel personally and more at what he saw as misaligned priorities within a performance-driven team. Marko also spoke about the timing of his own decision in the interview:

“I had planned it that way in case we won the World Cup. Since we didn’t win, I came to the conclusion that now the same thing had to be applied. At some point you have to know when it’s time. After all, I was responsible.”

Despite his long relationship with Red Bull, Vettel himself admitted as much last month who held brief talks with Helmut Marko about a possible return to F1 as a non-driver, but stressed that nothing concrete followed.

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Sebastian Vettel on possible F1 return on desktop paper: ‘Time will tell’

Sebastian Vettel has been open about his curiosity about life beyond the cockpit, particularly when it comes to mentoring young drivers and the human side of racing. Although largely absent from the paddock since his retirement, his recent return to Brazil showed that his connection to Formula 1 has not completely faded.

Talking about it F1 Beyond the grid podcastVettel was asked about the possibility of returning to work with Red Bull or in an advisory role.

“I would probably say I’m not the typical desk person. Maybe not yet,” Vettel said. “It really depends on the role. This is the sport I know, this is the business I know… In the end I was more fascinated by the human element, the psychology behind how a team works, what you need to be successful, how to take care of each other.

“I know from a driver’s point of view, but I think you can transfer it to teams in general, and also to life,” added Vettel. “I think time will tell if the right thing happens. I’m not ruling it out at all. It could be very interesting.” (from 26:06)

For now, Helmut Marko’s comments close the door on any immediate Sebastian Vettel.Red Bull narrative