Max Verstappen indicated he would be open to welcoming fellow world champion Sebastian Vettel back to Red Bull in a leadership position.
Vettel, who claimed four consecutive driver`s championships for Red Bull from 2010 to 2013, recently disclosed he is engaged in preliminary discussions with Helmut Marko about potentially succeeding him as an advisor to the team.
Marko`s contract is set to expire at the close of 2026, and he has not yet confirmed if he intends to continue beyond that point, by which time he will be 84 years old. Marko has been a crucial figure in nurturing drivers through Red Bull`s junior program into Formula 1.
When questioned about Vettel on Thursday before this weekend`s Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen commented, “It`s quite natural that someone who achieved so much with Red Bull and was developed by the team… in a sense there`s always a place available for them.”
He added, “I believe Seb maintained a very positive relationship with Helmut, even after he departed.”
“I wasn`t aware they were in discussions, but I`m certain there will always be room for Seb in some capacity.”
Vettel spent six seasons with Red Bull before moving to Ferrari in 2015. Max Verstappen was subsequently promoted to the senior Red Bull squad during the 2016 season.
Following six seasons at Ferrari where he did not secure any further titles, Vettel finished his career with two seasons at Aston Martin, retiring at the conclusion of the 2022 season.
In an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF earlier this week, Vettel spoke about the prospect of taking over from Marko, saying, “I`m not sure. There have been some reports, and I still have a very good relationship with Helmut.”
“We are in contact about it, though perhaps not in great detail yet, but it`s a possibility. The exact form it might take remains to be seen.”
Max Addresses Reports on Relationship with Perez
During the same press conference on Thursday, Verstappen was also asked about another former Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez, his former teammate, who recently generated headlines following comments made on a podcast.
Among Perez`s remarks during the extensive interview was a suggestion that Verstappen tends to “internalize” issues before they manifest on track, referencing a rare on-track battle between the pair during their four years together as teammates.
Verstappen insisted that Perez`s comments had been taken out of context by the media and reaffirmed that he maintains a “great relationship” with the Mexican driver.
He stated, “I don`t think his comments were intended the way they were reported. Checo and I have a great relationship; we were always good team-mates. I have a lot of respect for him, and he for me, and that`s how I see it.”
“I hope to see him in the paddock again soon. I still owe him one of my helmets – I promised him. He gave me one of his with a very kind message, and I promised to give him mine, hopefully when we are in Mexico.”
“Regardless of what is written in the media, I know Checo well, and we share a strong relationship.”
Austrian GP Schedule
Friday June 27
8.50am: F3 Practice
10am: F2 Practice
12pm: Austrian GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3.35pm: Austrian GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday June 28
9am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Austrian GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Austrian GP Qualifying build-up
3pm: AUSTRIAN GP QUALIFYING
5pm: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday June 29
7.25am: F3 Feature Race
8.55am: F2 Feature Race
10.40am: Porsche Supercup
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Austrian GP build-up
2pm: THE AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Austrian GP reaction
5pm: Ted`s Notebook
