Marko Reveals Vettel Sends Him Books, Their Forest Management Philosophies Diverge

Helmut Marko and Sebastian Vettel remain in contact years after their dominant Red Bull partnership, but their conversations have shifted from race strategy to forestry and land management. Marko revealed that Vettel regularly sends him books on the topic, though the two hold fundamentally different views on how a forest should be cared for.

Why it matters:

This exchange highlights Vettel's deep and genuine commitment to his post-F1 life in agriculture and environmentalism, moving far beyond symbolic activism. It also showcases a unique, enduring relationship in the F1 paddock, evolving from a successful driver-mentor dynamic into a thoughtful dialogue between two passionate landowners with contrasting philosophies.

The details:

In a recent interview, the Red Bull motorsport advisor shared insights into their ongoing discussions. "We have several conversations about it. I then always get books from him," Marko said. However, their viewpoints significantly diverge on practical management. "We are far apart in our views on how a forest should be maintained. He wants to leave the forest as it is and doesn't even intervene when there are beetle-infested trees, while I practice sustainable forest management."

This debate is grounded in their personal experiences. Following his F1 retirement, Vettel completed formal agricultural training at a vocational education center in Switzerland, qualifying him to run his own farm. He has lived on a Swiss estate since 2010, which includes meadows, forest, and stream areas. Vettel has expressed fascination with agriculture's potential for climate action.

Conversely, Marko owns forested land in his native Styria, Austria, where he pursues an active, hands-on approach to sustainable forestry. Their dialogue represents a clash between Vettel's preference for a more natural, non-interventionist method and Marko's belief in managed, sustainable cultivation.

The big picture:

The relationship between the four-time world champion and the key architect of his early career has matured into a peer-level exchange of ideas. Their connection, forged in the heat of championship battles, now thrives on shared interests outside the cockpit, illustrated by the curated reading list Vettel provides. It's a testament to a bond that has successfully transitioned from the professional realm of Formula 1 into a lasting personal and intellectual friendship.