Dr Helmut Marko seen during the FIA Formula One World Championship at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria on June 26, 2025. // Lucas Pripfl / Red Bull Ring //

Formula 1 News: Marko ends Vettel return and Verstappen exit talk

(GMM) Dr Helmut Marko (pictured) has poured cold water on renewed speculation that Sebastian Vettel could return to Red Bull in an advisory role.

With Marko now wielding greater influence at Red Bull following Christian Horner’s internal power struggles last year and sacking just weeks ago, the 82-year-old says there is no room for a replacement.

“The whole thing didn’t go any further because we had more than enough to do with the team restructuring at Red Bull Racing,” he told Sport1 in Hungary.

Marko also suggested quadruple world champion Vettel should simply enjoy his retirement with his family.

Dr Helmut Marko, Team Consultant of Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 14, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool //
Dr Helmut Marko, Team Consultant of Oracle Red Bull RacingĀ  (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool //

“It’s a full-time job,” he said. “You can’t just do it for a few races. I don’t think the requirement profile from our side is suitable for him.”

Talk of Vettel’s return had intensified earlier in 2025, with Vettel reportedly in serious discussions about replacing Marko as Red Bull’s motorsport consultant. But recent weeks have seen the chatter cool – and now Marko appears to have closed the door for good.

The Austrian also addressed ongoing speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s long-term future, which dominated headlines throughout July. Asked by Sport1 whether he would have continued at Red Bull if Verstappen had decided to leave, Marko replied:

“My contract runs until the end of 2026. Then we’ll see what happens.”

Pressed on whether his own deal contains performance clauses similar to those rumored in Verstappen’s contract, Marko laughed: “No, none based on championship positions.”