Sebastian Vettel tipped to make remarkable F1 comeback - 'Not over for him yet'
Helmut Marko believes Sebastian Vettel might complete a sensational return to Formula One - but not as a Red Bull driver.
Vettel, 36, quit F1 at the end of the 2022 campaign following a glittering career. The German won four world titles, with only Lewis Hamilton (seven), Michael Schumacher (seven) and Juan Manuel Fanigo (five) claiming more since F1 started in 1950.
Vettel has refused to rule out a comeback and been spotted at various motorsport events in recent months, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed. That has sparked rumours of a return to F1 in 2024, something many fans would love to see.
While Red Bull's technical director Marko believes racing is "not over" for Vettel, he has ruled out the possibility of him re-joining his team ahead of next season. Vettel won all four of his titles at Red Bull before representing Ferrari and Aston Martin.
"I think Sebastian feels somehow without a specific task at the moment, doesn’t know exactly what he should do," Marko told ServusTV when asked about Vettel. "He has to make a decision somewhere. I think the driver situation is not over for him yet."
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Yet Marko isn't willing to give Vettel a seat at Red Bull or AlphaTauri, their second team which is expected to be rebranded for 2024. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez currently have the Red Bull seats, while Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda are at AlphaTauri.
Marko added: "Besides Verstappen, I honestly don’t want to do that to him. And now we have contracts. They last for a relatively long time. Perez is fixed until 2024. We already have an experienced driver in Daniel Ricciardo."
Marko could annoy Verstappen if he gives Vettel a seat at Red Bull next year. Verstappen is the reigning two-time world champion and is almost guaranteed to win a third title this year after 10 consecutive victories, with only eight races left.
Marko has also suggested it would be insulting for Vettel to join AlphaTauri, a team who aren't capable of consistently winning races. The Red Bull chief added: "When Sebastian comes back, I think he just wants to be in a top team and drive for victories again."
Helmut Marko believes Vettel still has plenty to offer in F1 (Getty Images)Do you think Sebastian Vettel should make a comeback? Let us know in the comments below!
Yet it will be difficult for Vettel to find a seat at a top team, despite his impressive CV. Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari all have their drivers locked in for 2024.
Vettel was recently asked about making a return to F1 in a non-driving capacity. He replied: "I don’t know yet. Let’s see what ends up being a project. But so far I’m doing very well with my decision to retire. I do miss the competition and the excitement the most."
On the idea of Vettel accepting a management role, Marko said: "It is not impossible that he will come back for a top management position. We had a conversation and if he could get a position like that, it could appeal to him.
"That became clear during the conversation. He certainly has the potential and the personality for it, but for now let’s let him plant a few trees."
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