Sebastian Vettel Reveals Outcome of Red Bull Talks Over Potential F1 Role
Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel has finally addressed the ongoing speculation about his potential return to Red Bull Racing in a new capacity. The German racing legend confirmed that he held discussions with Red Bull’s senior advisor, Helmut Marko, regarding a possible role within the team, but revealed that the talks ultimately led nowhere.
Vettel, who dominated F1 from 2010 to 2013 with Red Bull, remains one of the most successful drivers in the sport’s history. After parting ways with the team at the end of 2014, he joined Ferrari in pursuit of a fifth world title, before spending his final years in Formula 1 with Aston Martin. Despite his efforts, he was unable to add to his championship tally and decided to retire from racing in 2022.
Since stepping away from the sport, Vettel has shifted his focus toward environmental activism and philanthropy. He has been a vocal advocate for sustainability and has spearheaded several campaigns to raise awareness about global environmental challenges. One of his most notable recent appearances came at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he returned to the paddock as part of the ‘Forest – Drawn Together’ initiative — a campaign dedicated to fighting deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
In addition to his environmental work, Vettel has become an influential figure in promoting diversity and inclusion within motorsport. He has worked extensively with young female drivers, helping create pathways for them to progress through junior categories into elite competitions like the F1 Academy. His efforts to develop new racing talent have not gone unnoticed, and it was this commitment to youth development that reportedly caught Red Bull’s attention.
Recently, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko publicly hinted that Vettel could be an ideal successor for his role. Marko, who has been instrumental in nurturing Red Bull’s junior driver program — which produced stars like Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, and Carlos Sainz — suggested that Vettel possessed both the experience and passion necessary to guide the next generation of racers.
However, Vettel has now clarified the situation, confirming that while talks did take place, they did not progress beyond the initial stage.
“There was a lot of talk about it and so on, and I did speak with Helmut a little bit, but it never got anywhere, never gained any traction,” Vettel told Sky Sports F1.
The 37-year-old explained that, for the moment, he is content with life outside Formula 1 but continues to follow the sport closely. “I think for me, I’m fairly happy where I am in life right now. I love Formula 1. In the beginning, I thought I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep watching because I needed some distance. But I do watch the races, and I follow it because I just love the sport and still know so many of the guys,” he said.
Despite distancing himself from full-time involvement, Vettel did not completely rule out a future return to the F1 paddock if the right opportunity arises. “If the right opportunity, position, or perspective turns up, maybe there’s a role that I would be happy to step up to — but time will tell,” he added.
Vettel’s relationship with Red Bull remains a defining chapter of his illustrious career. During his tenure with the team, he claimed four consecutive Drivers’ Championships and helped Red Bull secure four straight Constructors’ titles — an era that cemented both his and the team’s place in Formula 1 history. He remains one of only five drivers to have won four or more titles in a row, joining legends such as Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.
Although his move to Ferrari did not bring the same level of success, Vettel enjoyed several strong seasons with the Italian outfit. Between 2015 and 2020, he won 14 Grands Prix and came close to dethroning Hamilton in the 2017 and 2018 seasons. His time at Aston Martin marked the closing chapter of his racing career, where he became an outspoken advocate for social and environmental causes.
Meanwhile, his former team continues to thrive. Current Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has surpassed many of Vettel’s records, including the number of career victories, while also matching his dominance with three consecutive world titles. Despite Verstappen’s achievements, Vettel remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in Red Bull’s history — both for his success on track and his leadership off it.
While fans were hopeful that Vettel might take on an official role with Red Bull, his latest comments suggest that any such move is unlikely in the immediate future. For now, Vettel appears focused on his environmental and developmental projects, though his passion for Formula 1 remains as strong as ever.
As Vettel himself noted, his story with Red Bull — and with Formula 1 — might not be entirely over. But for now, the German icon seems content watching from the sidelines, supporting the sport he helped shape into the global spectacle it is today.
