Sebastian Vettel’s F1 return decided as Red Bull make call on Helmut Marko replacement | F1 | Sport

Red Bull have reportedly ruled out hiring Sebastian Vettel after the four-time world champion was linked with replacing Helmut Marko. Marko was axed by the hugely successful F1 team on Tuesday after Red Bull failed to win the Drivers’ Championship.

Max Verstappen narrowly missed out on a fifth consecutive title to McLaren’s Lando Norris. Marko has been with Red Bull since the start of their F1 journey in 2005 and has been a pivotal figure in their success in the sport.

The Austrian confirmed the news in a statement, saying: “Narrowly missing out on the World Championship this season has moved me deeply and made it clear to me that now is the right moment for me personally to end this very long, intense, and successful chapter.”

As is the case with any major sporting announcement, the rumour mill has been churning with Vettel’s potential return doing the rounds.

The 38-year-old is open to a career in management and his historical links to the team make him the firm favourite to succeed the Austrian as motorsport advisor but it is unclear if this administrative role appeals to Vettel.

Marko and Vettel have confirmed there have been talks previously about the German’s potential return, however, according to BILD, there will be no imminent return as those in charge do not plan to fill the position.

Vettel enjoyed a vastly successful career with Red Bull and since his retirement from F1 in 2022, the German racer has stayed heavily involved within the sport, using his position to raise awareness for important causes, including a focus on environmental projects.

The German confirmed his long standing interest in an administrative role within the sport in an interview with Sky Sports F1 at last month’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

When asked about whether he could see himself becoming part of the Red Bull organisation again in the future, he responded: “I don’t know, I read as well there was a lot of talk about it and so on, and I did speak with Helmut a little bit, but it never got anywhere, never gained any traction.

“I don’t know, if the right opportunity, position, perspective, whatever, turns up or could turn up, maybe there’s a role that I could be happy to step up to. Time will tell.”