Max Verstappen has voiced strong support for Sebastian Vettel’s potential return to Red Bull Racing in an advisory role, following the German’s recent revelation of talks with Helmut Marko. Red Bull could soon welcome back the four-time World Champion and team legend in a new role, potentially continuing one of F1’s most successful partnerships.
Vettel, now 37, famously helped Red Bull make its mark on the sport by securing the team’s first pole position and victory in 2009. He went on to dominate the following era, securing four consecutive World Championships between 2010 and 2013. Though he left Red Bull at the end of 2014, his connection to the team has remained strong.
After spells at Ferrari and Aston Martin, Vettel retired from racing in 2022 with 53 wins, 122 podiums and 57 pole positions to his name. Yet his presence in the sport has endured, through both public appearances and his advocacy for sustainability and inclusivity within motorsport.
Discussions with Marko begin to take shape
Speaking recently on Sport am Sonntag, a podcast from Austrian broadcaster ORF, Vettel admitted that talks with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko had taken place regarding a possible advisory role—one which may ultimately see him step into Marko’s shoes.
“There have been a few headlines recently. I still get along great with Helmut, and we’re in contact regarding the topic,” Vettel revealed. “[Talks are] not yet that intensive or in-depth, it’s perhaps something that could play a role. In what form remains to be seen.”
Marko, now 82, has overseen Red Bull’s young driver programme since the team’s debut in F1 back in 2005. He played a crucial role in developing talents such as Vettel and Verstappen, both of whom went on to become World Champions under his guidance.
Verstappen gives his endorsement
When asked about Vettel’s comments ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen responded with enthusiasm. The reigning World Champion gave his full backing to the idea of Vettel returning to Red Bull in an advisory capacity.
“I mean, it’s more than normal that someone that has achieved so much with Red Bull, has been brought up by Red Bull, that… in a sense there’s always a spot available, right?” said Verstappen. “I think also Seb [Vettel] always kept a really good relationship with Helmut anyway, even when he left. I’m sure that there’s always a space for Seb, in any kind of form.”
A return to Red Bull would not only reunite the German with the team where he achieved his greatest success, but also offer the next generation of Red Bull drivers the chance to benefit from his wealth of experience.
Vettel’s post-racing engagements
Since stepping away from the cockpit, Vettel has maintained a visible and meaningful presence in the sport. He has championed several environmental and social causes, organising sustainability events and leading tributes to Ayrton Senna in Imola and São Paulo. More recently, he spearheaded the Race4Women karting event in Saudi Arabia, aimed at promoting female participation in motorsport.
These efforts show that Vettel drives his post-racing career with as much purpose as passion. Should he transition into an advisory role, it is likely he would bring not only sporting expertise but also a broader perspective on the sport’s future and values.
Vettel’s discussions with Marko may still be at a formative stage, but the potential for his return to Red Bull carries symbolic weight. It would mark the evolution of a champion into a mentor—an individual shaped by the Red Bull system, returning to help shape it for years to come.
