Sebastian Vettel reacts to Helmut Marko's Red Bull exit, addresses speculation about potential role

Sebastian Vettel expressed surprise at the news of Helmut Marko's departure from Red Bull after more than two decades, calling him the "architect" of the team's success. The four-time champion, who was discovered by Marko, also addressed growing paddock speculation about whether he could be a candidate to fill a similar talent-spotting role, stating he is "not ruling it out" but is in no rush to return to F1.

Why it matters:

Helmut Marko's exit marks the end of an era for Red Bull, removing a pivotal figure who shaped the team's identity and discovered its greatest champions. His departure, following the team's failure to win the 2025 constructors' title, signals a significant power shift within the Red Bull hierarchy. Furthermore, the discussion around Vettel potentially stepping into a similar role highlights the ongoing search for a new philosophical direction in the team's driver development program.

The details:

• Sebastian Vettel, the first driver to win a championship for Red Bull, was "just as surprised as everyone else" by Marko's decision to retire, which was communicated to Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
• Vettel credited Marko as the key architect behind Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso, responsible not only for driver selection but also for crucial decisions on team composition, personnel, and strategy.
• Speculation on Vettel's Future: Paddock whispers have linked the retired four-time champion to a potential role in Red Bull's driver development. Vettel acknowledged his fascination with team psychology and the "human element" of success but emphasized he is not actively seeking a position.
• Marko's Version of Events: Contrary to speculation that he was pushed out, Marko insists the decision was his own, stating that losing the 2025 championship presented "a good time to stop." He has ruled out any future role in the F1 paddock, focusing instead on his other business interests.
• Internal Dynamics: Sources indicate Marko's relationship with the new Red Bull leadership—CEO Oliver Mintzlaff and Team Principal Laurent Mekies—had deteriorated in recent months, suggesting his departure may have been inevitable.

What's next:

With Marko's chapter closed, Red Bull faces the challenge of restructuring its senior advisory and talent-scouting operations. While Vettel remains a theoretically intriguing candidate to provide a champion's perspective on driver development, his apparent lack of urgency suggests Red Bull may look elsewhere to solidify its future. The team's ability to maintain its formidable driver academy without its longtime overseer will be a key storyline to watch in the coming seasons.