F1 Rumour: Sebastian Vettel To Replace Helmut Marko As Red Bull Advisor
Rumours are swirling that four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel may be eyeing a new role at Red Bull. According to Sky Sports Formula 1 pundit Ted Kravitz, Vettel is being tipped to replace Dr. Helmut Marko, who has been a long-standing presence at the Red Bull team, as the motorsport advisor.
Vettel, who retired from racing in F1 at the end of the 2022 season, is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the sport's history. His most successful years were spent at Red Bull, where he won four consecutive F1 World Championships in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013.
Kravitz believes that Vettel will be back working in the paddock as soon as this year, but not as a driver. He explains that Vettel's driving days are behind him and that the German is a man of integrity who won't disappoint fans by making a sudden comeback. Kravitz explained:
“We may well see a surprise comeback of Sebastian Vettel this year, but it won’t be as a driver.
“I truly believe he has decided not to drive anymore and as a man of integrity, as I know he is, I don’t think he is going to disappoint everybody by going ‘ahh, do you know what, I wasn’t sincere in that, here we go, I am coming back as a driver’.
“And everybody will go ‘hang on, we said goodbye to you’.”
Kravitz also explained that he sees Vettel replacing Marko at Red Bull. The Austrian has been responsible for bringing several drivers, including Vettel, to F1 and oversees the driver development programme at the team.
While Vettel had previously stated that he would be open to returning for a once-off race appearance if his services were required at his favourite track, the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, Kravitz believes that Vettel's return to the paddock will be in a more permanent capacity. The F1 pundit continued:
“Possibly Audi, maybe, but I kind of think he will come back to Red Bull.
“I think he will replace Helmut Marko, that is more likely. As the sort of motorsport advisor.”
Vettel may also be enticed by a position within the Audi F1 team management ahead of its arrival to the 2026 grid. However, Kravitz believes that a return to Red Bull is a more likely scenario.