Red Bull Racing's Helmut Marko has named Sebastian Vettel as his 'ideal successor' as the team's chief motorsport advisor.
Dr. Marko, who turns 82 this month, has been with the Milton Keynes team since its inaugural season in 2005 and has been in charge of a junior program that has produced multiple race winners and two World Champions, including Sebastian Vettel (2010-2013) and Max Verstappen (2021-2024).
He's been a hugely influential figure at the team off the track, but with his advanced age, it is unlikely that he will be able to continue his role for many more years.
When he does eventually retire, the Austrian believes the team's first champion would be the perfect person to replace him.
Speaking to Sky Germany, Marko commented: "I think he would be the ideal successor candidate."
“It is clear that, at some point, you can no longer do it, not least because of your age. Because those travel efforts are no small thing.”
“Of course, it would be great if a guy like Sebastian could take over. You have the side of the junior program, he’s already working with girls here in the go-karts in Saudi Arabia. On the other side, of course, there’s the great strategic leadership of his Formula 1 team.”
Marko also believes that Vettel's involvement in other racing projects means he would get up to speed very quickly and wouldn't need much of an adjustment period.
He explained: “I don’t think he needs a year. That’s two races, and then he has it under control. But this is a new approach, and I think Sebastian has found himself now."
"He knows what he wants to do in the future, and that is, first and foremost, motor racing. He may be a forest owner in Austria with his own hunting grounds, but you can combine all that."
Vettel, meanwhile, played down the high praise.
In response, he said: "We will see if that is something for me in the future."
"As long as he [Marko] still enjoys it and feels he is suitable, he has a unique role with his experience, especially when it comes to the dynamics in the team."
The four-time World Champion added: "Nobody understands that better than he does. It would be a shame if he leaves the position at some point. Then it will have to develop in a new, different direction."
