Helmut Marko gives update on Sebastian Vettel return as Red Bull chief makes statement

has explained that there are no plans to replace him with in the near future, brushing off any chance of a retirement at the end of the 2025 season. The 82-year-old plans to continue his duties as advisor to the team into the new technical regulations. Marko is considered a critical member of Max Verstappen's entourage and one of the leading figures within the Red Bull team, after team principal Christian Horner.

However, at 82 with the F1 calendar only growing in intensity year after year, the Austrian's long-term future in the paddock is uncertain. Ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Marko debated the topic of potential successors. In doing so, he raised Vettel's name. The 37-year-old won four Drivers' Championship titles with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, forging a dynasty with the Milton Keynes squad.

"I think he [Vettel] would be the ideal successor candidate," he told Sky Germany in Jeddah. "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. And on the other side, of course, there's the great strategic leadership of his Formula One team."

Unfortunately for Vettel, that call-up is unlikely to arrive any time soon, as Marko has ambitions of remaining in the paddock for many years to come. Asked about the possibility of being replaced by the Red Bull legend, Marko told : "That was an idea of mine.

"But it's not ready for a decision; we're still a long way from that. I don't know who wants to retire me at the end of the year. I certainly don't plan to do that yet: If you don't use it, you lose it..."

Vettel has been largely absent from motorsport in a driving capacity since calling time on his F1 career in 2022, despite being fleetingly linked with a return to the series with Mercedes and Red Bull last year. The legendary German has also been tipped for a 24 Hours of Le Mans appearance with Porsche.

However, the Hesse-born racer has been very prominent with his motorsport activism, campaigning for the use of renewable fuels and pushing more young women into karting. He even ran his own all-female karting experience in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.