Sebastian Vettel Tipped for Red Bull Return as Verstappen’s Span

Sebastian Vettel Tipped for Red Bull Return as Verstappen’s Spanish GP Dis… read more

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has received fresh encouragement regarding a possible return to Red Bull, the team where he enjoyed his most successful years in the sport. Vettel, who began his F1 journey with BMW and later raced for Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari, and Aston Martin, made history with Red Bull by winning four consecutive drivers’ titles from 2010 to 2013. His dominant partnership with team principal Christian Horner and the overall team performance during that era is still fondly remembered by fans.

Vettel’s departure from Red Bull came in 2014 after a drop in performance saw him finish fifth in the drivers’ standings. He then made a high-profile move to Ferrari in hopes of replicating his earlier success, but despite some strong performances, he was never able to capture another championship title. He later joined Aston Martin, racing alongside Lance Stroll, before retiring from the sport in 2022. At the time, Vettel cited his desire to dedicate himself to environmental activism and personal pursuits outside of motorsport as key reasons for stepping away from F1.

However, speculation has recently intensified around a potential return—not as a driver, but as a key figure in Red Bull’s leadership. Red Bull’s long-time motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, has hinted at stepping down, potentially by 2026, and has named Vettel as his top choice to take over the influential role. At 82, Marko has indicated that while he currently feels fit and intends to remain in the position for a couple more years, succession planning is beginning to take shape.

Marko recently told ServusTV that although no formal discussions have taken place, he believes Vettel is the “ideal candidate” to eventually fill his shoes. He emphasized that nothing has been decided yet, but his endorsement carries significant weight within the organization, especially considering Vettel’s history with the team and the deep respect he commands in the paddock.

This comes at a time of significant transition and uncertainty for Red Bull. With the looming 2026 regulation changes, the team is preparing for a new era in Formula 1, and they will be doing so without legendary car designer Adrian Newey, who has now officially joined Aston Martin. Compounding the uncertainty, current star driver Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion himself, reportedly has exit clauses in his contract, raising questions about his long-term future with the team.

While Red Bull has other names under consideration for Marko’s role, Vettel’s legacy, experience, and understanding of the Red Bull philosophy make him a standout candidate. At 37, Vettel is still relatively young and could bring a fresh yet experienced perspective to the team’s management structure. For now, though, the decision remains up in the air, with Marko suggesting there’s still time before a transition becomes necessary. Whether or not Vettel takes the plunge back into F1 in a non-driving capacity remains to be seen, but the door appears t

o be wide open.