Sebastian Vettel opens door to Red Bull return

Sebastian Vettel has opened the door to returning to Red Bull in the future, as the successor of its motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko. 

The four-time world champion has been linked as the perfect replacement for Marko, who has held his role since Red Bull joined the F1 grid in 2005. 

Vettel left Red Bull at the end of the 2013 F1 season to join Ferrari, but has remained on very good terms with the Milton Keynes-based team. 

The German retired from F1 at the end of 2022 campaign and despite not often being in the paddock, remains in communication with Marko.

"I still get along very well with Helmut and we are also in talks," Vettel told ORF. "In terms of the subject (being Marko's successor) not so intensive and not so deep yet, but that is perhaps something that could play a role. 

"It remains to be seen in what form. Helmut has said a few times that he's going to quit, but he's still there. And I hope he will be there for a long time..."

For now, Vettel is not putting any pressure on himself to be Marko's successor, despite knowing what the Austrian's job entails.

"At some point it [life] goes on inexorably and I think Helmut knows that too. He is a brutal realist and can assess everything very well and sincerely. I think he will realise when the time comes [to stop.

"Marko is not replaceable, let's put it that way. He is a character and has made a huge contribution to the team's successes since 2005. 

"Whoever the successor becomes, it would be nice if the work they have put into it continues. I think I know the position very well from my days. 

"But to be honest, I have to admit that I haven't walked around Helmut that closely in recent years. However, I think I do know what he does."