Marko names Vettel as his “ideal successor” at Red Bull

Helmut Marko has named four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel as his “ideal successor” as Red Bull’s chief motorsport advisor.

The Austrian has been instrumental in nurturing the careers of a host of successful drivers in the modern era, including Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo, as well as Vettel’s.

In addition to running Red Bull’s junior programme, Marko also took on a key role in the Milton Keynes-based outfit’s senior management team in 2005.

However, with the 1971 Le Mans 24 Hours winner turning 82 later this month, his thoughts have turned to who could eventually replace him in the Red Bull roles. 

“I think he would be the ideal successor candidate,” Marko told Sky Germany, when speaking about Vettel.

“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 programme, he’s already working with girls here in the go-karts in Saudi Arabia.”

Marko insisted that it’s the kind of role Vettel “wants to do in the future” and said he wouldn’t need much time to get up to speed.

“I don’t think he needs a year,” Marko said. “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.”

Since hanging up his racing boots at the end of 2022, Vettel has only made a handful of appearances in the paddock while committing most of his time to environmental causes. Most recently, he jetted into Saudi Arabia to host an event celebrating women in motorsport. 

The German had been in contention for a Porsche Le Mans 24 Hours drive last year after an extensive test but the Porsche Penske Motorsport crew eventually opted against fielding Vettel.