Sebastian Vettel has revealed that he has spoken to Helmut Marko about probably taking his place at Crimson Bull when the Austrian finally calls time on his profession in Components 1.
Earlier in March, Marko described four-time F1 champion Vettel as his “superb successor”, saying he would solely want a few races to know his function at Crimson Bull.
Vettel has largely stayed away from the limelight since retiring from F1 after 2022, selecting to spend extra time along with his household.
However when requested about entering into Marko’s footwear as Crimson Bull’s motorsport advisor, the 37-year-old didn’t rule out the likelihood.
“There have been a number of headlines just lately. I nonetheless get alongside nice with Helmut, and we’re in touch concerning the subject,” he stated on an ORF podcast.
Vettel added that these talks are “not but that intensive or in-depth nevertheless it’s maybe one thing the place I may play a job. In what type that is still to be seen.”
Marko performs a multi-prolonged function at Crimson Bull, however is primarily centered on main its driver improvement programme, with Vettel, Carlos Sainz, Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon all graduating to F1 through the corporate’s scheme.
Marko holds a wide-ranging function at Crimson Bull however is finest recognized for main its driver improvement programme, by way of which Vettel, Carlos Sainz, Daniel Ricciardo, and Alex Albon all graduated to F1.
He has additionally acted as a bridge between the F1 staff and Crimson Bull’s late co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, releasing up staff principal Christian Horner to concentrate on operational issues.
Vettel believes Marko’s influence at Crimson Bull has been so profound that it could be unimaginable for one particular person to completely exchange him.
“He is irreplaceable. Let’s simply depart it at that,” commented Vettel. His character alone… and he is made a really, very vital contribution to what your complete staff has achieved through the years since 2005. And maybe it would not even be the aim to have somebody exchange him.”
Marko turns 82 years outdated this yr and has admitted that travelling so incessantly at his age is “no small factor”.
Vettel hopes Marko can proceed remaining concerned at Crimson Bull “for a very long time”, however believes the Graz native will retire from F1 when the “time is correct”.
“He is stated a number of occasions that he will stop, however he is nonetheless right here,” stated the German. “I hope he stays with us for a very long time.
“However after all, sooner or later, issues will inevitably proceed, and he is aware of that. He is a brutal realist and may assess issues fairly effectively. He’ll sense when the time is correct.”
