Max Verstappen welcomes Sebastian Vettel's potential advisory role at Red Bull, emphasizing a spot always available for the champion.
Red Bull’s current four-time world champion, Max Verstappen, has expressed his openness to seeing his predecessor, Sebastian Vettel, join the team in an advisory capacity. This comes as Vettel is reportedly in early discussions with Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko about possibly succeeding Marko when his contract expires in 2026.
Vettel recently confirmed to Austrian broadcaster ORF that he and Marko have been in contact, though their conversations have not yet been detailed or frequent. He acknowledged that any role he assumes will need to be thoughtfully defined and emphasized his respect for Marko’s ongoing work at the team.
Insights on Vettel’s Career Transition and Discussions with Red Bull
Vettel has publicly considered retirement several times, yet remains engaged with Formula 1. Regarding his future with Red Bull, he noted,
“We’re in contact about this, though maybe not so intensively or in-depth yet, but it’s possible,”
—Sebastian Vettel, F1 Driver. He also added,
“And I don’t think the goal is to have someone come in who simply replaces him. But maybe, whoever it is, it would be nice if the work he’s put in is carried on.”
This reflects a desire for continuity within Red Bull’s advisory framework rather than a straightforward handover. Vettel’s longstanding ties with the team, dating back to his championship years, strengthen his candidacy for a supporting role shaping the future of Red Bull’s driver development and team strategy.
Verstappen’s Perspective on Vettel’s Potential Return
Verstappen, who has matched Vettel’s success with four consecutive world championships, welcomed the idea of Vettel remaining involved with Red Bull. Speaking before the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, Verstappen said,
Image of: Max Verstappen
“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?”
—Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Driver.
He also highlighted Vettel’s positive relationship with Marko, stating,
“I think Seb always kept a really good relationship with Helmut anyway, even when he left. I didn’t know that of course they were talking, but I’m sure that there’s always a space for Seb in any kind of form.”
The Role of Helmut Marko and the Future of Red Bull’s Leadership
Helmut Marko has been instrumental at Red Bull since the team’s founding in 2005, serving first as advisor to founder Dietrich Mateschitz and evolving into a central figure in driver recruitment and management. However, Marko’s continuation beyond 2026 is uncertain, as he will be 84 years old by then.
Marko himself, when interviewed by Kleine Zeitung, acknowledged the importance of succession planning, saying,
“The question of succession is one of those questions too… let’s put it this way, there are plenty of people who want to follow.”
He emphasized the need for a candidate with broad experience and high standards, adding that the views of Red Bull shareholders Mark Mateschitz and Chalerm Yoovidhya also play a significant role in the decision-making process.
Marko further confirmed that while discussions have not focused specifically on a formal appointment, Vettel remains closely involved and observant of developments within the team:
“We’re not talking specifically about the position, but [Sebastian] is keeping a very close eye on everything.”
Implications for Red Bull’s Future and Strategy
Should Sebastian Vettel join Red Bull as an advisor after 2026, it would signify a thoughtful transition aimed at preserving the legacy and expertise built by Helmut Marko. For Max Verstappen, Vettel’s presence could offer continuity and strengthened support behind the scenes, potentially benefiting driver development and team dynamics.
As the Red Bull team approaches the 2026 horizon, the arrival of a former world champion with deep ties to the organization would help maintain stability during this period of change. The collaboration between key figures like Verstappen, Vettel, and Marko illustrates Red Bull’s commitment to ensuring leadership evolves while safeguarding their competitive edge in Formula 1.
