Helmut Marko does not believe there is a place for Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull – the four-time champion has “too few supporters” and would “struggle.”
After it was officially announced that Helmut Marko will be leaving Red Bull at the end of the year, speculation that Sebastian Vettel could “succeed” him at the Bulls has increased again.
It is considered likely that Marko’s previous position will not be filled. However, his departure will free up certain areas of responsibility, some of which Vettel could take on, for example.
“I don’t think so,” Marko said in an interview with oe24, explaining: “He doesn’t have enough supporters. Above all, he would struggle with his—let’s say—anti-mobility attitude.”
Vettel has been publicly advocating for sustainability for years and has spoken out in favor of a speed limit on German highways, for example. He has also repeatedly declared himself a Green Party voter. Marko’s statements suggest that Vettel’s views could cause problems for him in a possible role in the Formula 1 environment at Red Bull.
In any case, Marko had already stated in the summer that Vettel was “not an option” for Red Bull.
Even after Marko’s official departure, this has apparently not changed. Vettel himself revealed just a few weeks ago on Sky that talks with Marko about a possible role at Red Bull had “led to nothing.”
Why Helmut Marko will not become a TV expert
Incidentally, the Austrian has no interest in remaining in the public eye for Formula 1 fans next year, for example in a role as a TV expert. “No, I’m not interested in that,” said Marko.
“Otherwise, I’ll end up like Franz Tost, the poor guy who was so badly criticized,” he emphasized. Tost was working as a co-commentator for ORF at this year’s Formula 1 race in Brazil, but subsequently received a lot of criticism on social media for a statement he made.
The ORF later even published an official statement apologizing for Tost’s words. Marko has no desire for similar trouble. “I’m not retired,” the 82-year-old also clarifies.
He emphasizes that he has “enough projects” outside of Formula 1 and announces: “I have no intention of slowing down and becoming stupid.”
