Sebastian Vettel has responded to Helmut Marko’s suggestion that he could be the ideal successor to Marko’s role at Red Bull Racing. In a recent appearance on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Vettel acknowledged the unique position Marko holds within the team, stating, “I think there is only one Helmut. That is Helmut’s role.”
Vettel, a four-time F1 world champion with Red Bull, expressed admiration for Marko’s extensive experience in motorsport. He noted, “The challenge is very inspiring in general, and of course, the experiences of Helmut and myself are similar in some ways.”
Vettel highlighted that during Marko’s era in motorsport, in a completely different era, but essentially, the wheel is still turning in the same way. It’s still pretty much the same as it was before, even though the formula has changed considerably since then.”
Reflecting on the potential of stepping into a leadership role at Red Bull, Vettel remarked on the significance of Marko’s contributions and the implications of his eventual departure: “If the day comes that Marko stops, it will be a huge shame for Red Bull. But Red Bull also has to develop in a new, different direction.”
While Vettel has not confirmed any plans to assume Marko’s position, his comments suggest an openness to contributing to the team’s future in some capacity. Marko, who has been instrumental in Red Bull’s success and the development of drivers like Vettel and Max Verstappen, has previously indicated that Vettel possesses the qualities suitable for such a role.
In an interview, Marko stated, “it would be great if someone like Sebastian Vettel would take over… I think Sebastian has found himself and now knows what he wants to do in the future—and that’s primarily motorsport.”
As Red Bull continues to evolve, the prospect of Vettel transitioning into a strategic position remains a topic of interest within the Formula 1 community. His deep understanding of the sport, combined with his history with the team, positions him as a potential asset in shaping Red Bull’s future direction.
For now, Vettel remains focused on his post-racing endeavors, including initiatives like coaching young drivers in Saudi Arabia as part of the Race4Women program. His continued involvement in motorsport underscores his enduring passion for the sport and hints at the possibility of a future leadership role within Red Bull Racing.
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