Verstappen Backs Vettel’s Return — Advisory Role at Red Bull on the Table

Formula 1 is abuzz with the prospect of Sebastian Vettel, the four-time world champion, making a high-profile return to Red Bull Racing—not behind the wheel, but in a leadership or advisory capacity. Current Red Bull star Max Verstappen has thrown his full support behind Vettel’s potential comeback, signaling a warm welcome for the German legend to rejoin the team where he made history.

Vettel and Red Bull: A Storied Relationship

Sebastian Vettel’s connection with Red Bull Racing is the stuff of Formula 1 legend. He joined the team in 2009, securing their first pole position and race win before becoming their maiden World Champion in 2010. Vettel’s dominance continued with four consecutive world titles between 2010 and 2013, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

After leaving Red Bull at the end of 2014, Vettel enjoyed stints at Ferrari and Aston Martin before retiring from racing at the close of the 2022 season. His record stands at 53 Grand Prix wins, 122 podium finishes, and 57 pole positions—a testament to his enduring excellence.

Talks of a Red Bull Return: Advisory Role in Focus

Recent weeks have seen growing speculation about Vettel’s potential return to Red Bull, specifically in a senior or advisory role. The catalyst for these rumors is Vettel’s ongoing dialogue with Helmut Marko, the influential Red Bull advisor and architect of the team’s young driver program.

Vettel himself confirmed the discussions, telling Austrian broadcaster ORF: “I still get along very well with Helmut, and we are also in exchange on the subject. These are not yet so intense, and in-depth, but it may be something where I can play a role, but in what form, it will show.” He added, “I have to admit that I haven’t been close to F1 in the last few years”.

Marko, whose contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2026, has acknowledged the importance of succession planning. He described the search for a successor as a current topic of discussion, noting that Vettel is closely monitoring developments within the team.

Verstappen’s Support: “There’s Always a Space for Seb”

Max Verstappen, who has matched Vettel’s tally of four world titles with Red Bull, has publicly endorsed the idea of Vettel’s return. Speaking ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen said: “It’s more than normal that someone who has achieved so much with Red Bull, has been brought up by Red Bull… in a sense, there’s always a spot available”.

Verstappen emphasized the strong relationship between Vettel and Marko, noting that it has endured even after Vettel’s departure from the team. “I didn’t know that they were talking, but I’m sure that there’s always a space for Seb in any kind or form,” Verstappen added.

What Would Vettel’s Role Look Like?

While the specifics of Vettel’s potential role remain unclear, the most likely scenario is an advisory or leadership position within Red Bull’s driver development program. Marko has long been the driving force behind the team’s talent pipeline, nurturing the careers of Vettel, Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, and others.

Vettel is widely seen as a natural successor to Marko, given his deep understanding of the Red Bull system and his status as a role model for young drivers. However, Vettel himself has downplayed the idea of simply replacing Marko, stating: “He’s not replaceable… But maybe, whoever it is, it would be nice if the work he’s put in is carried on”

Life After Racing: Vettel’s Broader Interests

Since retiring from Formula 1, Vettel has devoted more time to environmental and social justice causes. He has consistently advocated for Formula 1 to reduce its carbon footprint and has taken on new ventures, such as co-owning the Germany SailGP team.

Despite his distance from the paddock, Vettel remains a keen observer of the sport, particularly interested in the psychology and dynamics of racing rather than the technical minutiae. “I’m probably less interested in which tyre compound lasts how long, and much more in what makes the drivers tick,” he said.

The Road Ahead

The possibility of Sebastian Vettel returning to Red Bull in an advisory role has captured the imagination of fans and insiders alike. With Max Verstappen’s enthusiastic backing and ongoing discussions between Vettel and Helmut Marko, the stage is set for a new chapter in Red Bull’s storied history.

As Marko’s eventual retirement looms on the horizon, the question of who will guide Red Bull’s future talent is more pressing than ever. If Vettel does take on a leadership role, his experience, vision, and passion for the sport could prove invaluable—not just for Red Bull, but for Formula 1 as a whole.