Max Verstappen supports Sebastian Vettel for Red Bull advisory role

Max Verstappen has expressed his support for former Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel potentially joining Red Bull as team advisor — succeeding Helmut Marko whose contract expires in 2026.

Vettel revealed he is in early discussions with Marko regarding the possibility of replacing the 82-year-old advisor.

“We’re in contact about this, though maybe not so intensively or in-depth yet, but it’s possible,” Vettel told ORF. “What form that might take will have to be seen. He’s already said a few times that he’d stop, but he’s still here, and I wish him all the best so that he stays around for a very long time.”

Ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen — who followed Vettel’s path with four consecutive world titles — affirmed that there would always be space for Vettel at Red Bull in any capacity.

Marko has been involved with Red Bull since the team’s establishment in 2005 — initially as the late Dietrich Mateschitz’s advisor and later as a key figure in driver management. Regarding succession, Marko stated that the required profile is very broad and demands the highest standards.