Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has sensationally revealed that a return to Formula 1 might already be on the horizon for four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, with talks between the two having already taken place regarding a potential management role.
Vettel’s glittering 15-year career at the pinnacle of motorsport came to an end at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November, a career which saw the German claim 53 wins and four World Drivers’ Championships.
All four of his titles came in consecutive seasons for Red Bull, with the 35-year-old having won the title every year from 2010-2013.
Whilst Max Verstappen has been smashing records over the last few seasons, Vettel is still currently the most successful Red Bull driver in the history of the Austrian’s F1 team.
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Despite Vettel’s career taking him to Ferrari and most recently Aston Martin, the paddock favourite has always remained as part of the Milton Keynes-based outfit’s family, one he is rumoured to be returning to.
A management position at Red Bull would likely suit Vettel, as it would mean he could continue to use his voice on a large platform to promote several campaigns and communities.
As well as this, it’ll mean younger drivers can be nurtured in a way that’ll help them understand how to use their position as an F1 driver, for the greater good.
According to Marko, a “top management position” would “appeal” to the German driver, although, for the time being he’s going to “plant a few trees”.
“It is not impossible that he will come back for a top management position,” Marko told Sky Sports F1.
“We had a conversation and if he could get a top management position, that would appeal to him. That became clear during the conversation. He would certainly have the potential and the personality for it, but for now we’ll let him plant a few trees.”
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Many have wondered if Vettel’s goodbye from F1 was an actual farewell to the championship, or if it was more a case of ‘see you soon’.
As each day passes it looks more and more like it’s the latter, with Vettel himself admitting that he “can’t ignore” how “very close” he is to the sport.
“I can’t ignore the fact that I have a lot of heart and soul for motorsport and am very close to the sport,” said Vettel, ahead of the season finale.