Sebastian Vettel reveals important factor behind possible Red Bull return

Sebastian Vettel has revealed what information he would need to have to agree a return to Red Bull and replace Helmut Marko.

Vettel, the first major success story of Red Bull's junior driver programme, has been heavily linked with a possible return to the team, replacing Marko as the motorsport advisor to Red Bull GmbH.

The four-time champion has previously indicated that talks between himself and Marko, who is 82, have been held, but that he was not ready to commit to replacing the veteran Austrian. 

There is a stark character difference between Vettel and Marko, with the latter renowned for his sharp, cutting criticism for any driver who fails to perform, whilst Vettel has spoken openly about mental health and well-being. 

Assessing the situation, the 53-time grand prix winner explained what he needs to know to agree to succeed Marko.

"I know Helmut very well, and we are also in contact," Vettel told Auto Motor und Sport.

"If this were to become more concrete, I would first have to become aware of what kind of task I would have to do, and a decision would depend heavily on this. I certainly have a certain amount of competence due to my experience and my profile.

"As a young talent, it can be extremely valuable if someone is there who can help you, but not in the sense that he tells you where you brake, steer or how to take the kerb.

"[The driver] has to be able to do that themselves; more important is advice in the mental area. 

"The four drivers who are at the top of Formula 1 can all become world champions. In the end, however, it will only be one, and that also has its reason. You can't change people, you can only expand their strengths and work on their weaknesses.

"You must also not try to form the next [Lewis] Hamilton or [Michael] Schumacher from a driver, that doesn't work. It is more about perceiving the person, rather than telling them to accept someone else's character."

Vettel also revealed a conversation with Schumacher early in his career about how to tackle Suzuka. 

"I remember calling Michael once after he came back [in 2010], I wanted to know from him how he drove the first sector in Suzuka, because he was always so strong there.

"He replied: 'I don't know, what should I tell you now?' He didn't describe to me in detail how exactly he drives all the corners, only that he drove the passage as it felt right for him. He trusted that."