Helmut Marko admits Red Bull is considering several options to succeed him, with no firm talks yet held with Sebastian Vettel.
Helmut Marko has stated that retired four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel is not the only candidate to replace him as Red Bull’s motorsport advisor for its F1 teams.
A few weeks ago, it seemed clear that Vettel had everything it took to become the ideal successor to the 82-year-old Marko, with the two having exchanged jokes about a handover of power. But now, the Austrian suggests there are actually “many names” on the list of potential successors.
“Of course, we have to think about it,” Marko told Servus TV. “Sebastian would be an ideal candidate. But there are no in-depth discussions. There are many names and candidates, but for now, I am still in great shape.”
Indeed, despite his age, Marko continues to attend all 24 Grands Prix on the Formula 1 calendar, while also overseeing the Junior Team. He admitted to Speed Week that the current RB21 is “not enough” for Max Verstappen to secure a fifth consecutive drivers’ world championship.
“It might just be a small adjustment that needs to be made. We are working relentlessly on it and will continue to make small developments, but nothing major is planned at the moment.”
“We have already made a few significant changes, such as a new floor and new sidepods. But from now on, it will be more about the details. We will keep developing as long as there is a chance in the world championship. After that, we will fully shift our focus to the 2026 project.”