Helmut Marko identifies dream Red Bull replacement

04/19/2025 02:10 AM

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has identified Sebastian Vettel as his "ideal successor" when he, ultimately, decides to retire.  Vettel has been in the paddock at this weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix working with young female go-karters and has been spotted by Marko as a perfect replacement.  At 81 years old, there are some questions as to how long Marko will continue in his senior Red Bull role, especially should Max Verstappen depart before his contract expires. Whenever Marko decides to call it a day, he knows who should replace him. "I think he [Vettel] would be the ideal successor candidate," Marko told Sky DE . Whilst Marko has outlined Vettel as his preferred successor, the Austrian is not ready just yet to depart the F1 paddock. "No, not that. But it is clear that at some point you can no longer do it, not least because of your age," explained Marko. "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. And on the other side, of course, there's the great strategic leadership of his Formula 1 team." Marko has held his position at Red Bull since the team entered F1 in 2005, and has looked after the team's junior talent.  It is a significant role for any individual to fill, although Marko does not believe Vettel would need to shadow him for long to understand the job. "I don't think he needs a year," insisted Marko. "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."