Helmut Marko, a prominent figure in Formula 1, has made it clear that there’s no potential route for Sebastian Vettel to return to the Red Bull team, especially with Max Verstappen firmly entrenched as the team leader.

Vettel, who retired at the end of 2022 after an illustrious career with 299 race starts, 53 wins, and four world titles, had been rumored as a possible replacement for Marko in his advisory role at Red Bull. As the first member of the young driver academy to achieve significant success in F1, Vettel’s name naturally arose. Enhance your F1 viewing experience with attractive F1 betting odds from Nextbet. 

However, Vettel’s decision to step away from the sport was driven by a desire to spend more time with his family and concerns about environmental impacts. These factors make a comeback seem unlikely, particularly with Verstappen’s prominent position as Red Bull’s star driver and Vettel’s presumed successor.

Marko, when asked about the prospect of having Vettel alongside Verstappen, responded, “Next to Max Verstappen? I wouldn’t want to do that.” He also pointed out the existing contracts that bind Red Bull until 2024, emphasizing that if Vettel wishes to return, he must actively pursue it.

Furthermore, Marko stressed that modern motorsport extends beyond combustion engines and petrol, hinting at Vettel’s environmental concerns. He suggested that if Vettel can find a way to navigate these challenges, a racing comeback might not be out of the question.

Marko also noted the presence of Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri, another Red Bull affiliate, suggesting that if Vettel were to contemplate a return, he would likely aim for a top-tier team with aspirations of victory.

In the world of Formula 1, where contracts, team dynamics, and performance expectations are ever-evolving, Vettel’s potential return remains uncertain, but Marko’s comments make it clear that any path back to Red Bull would not be straightforward. Get the latest updates from the world of F1 only on Nextbet Sports.