Red Bull 2026: Is Vettel the Option to Replace Helmut Marko?

Red Bull ends 2025 with the feeling that it truly gave everything. A chaotic season that saw the team as the third force in the championship. But above all with a series of internal shocks that completely reshaped its technical and managerial structure. The final farewell would be that of the historic Austrian consultant Helmut Marko and the arrival of a new figure to replace him, with some talking about Sebastian Vettel.

First came Adrian Newey, taken from Aston Martin and promoted to team principal for 2026 (here you can find the full story). Then Christian Horner’s dismissal due to internal disputes, and now Helmut Marko’s decision to retire despite an agreement already set for next year. A full-on earthquake. His final move was the promotion of Isack Hadjar to the main team. A key decision ahead of the massive regulatory overhaul arriving in 2026. The big question now is obvious: who will replace Marko?

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Could Sebastian Vettel Replace Helmut Marko at Red Bull?

In recent weeks, rumours have sometimes linked four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, a Red Bull icon, to the role of talent scout. It sounds almost poetic, but it’s far from unrealistic. Since retiring in 2022, Vettel has stayed closely connected to the team with which he won everything. he appeared regularly in the Red Bull garage and maintaining an excellent relationship with the organisation.

The real issue is that Marko’s role is enormous: consultant, co-founder, and a pivotal figure in every strategic and technical decision since the acquisition of Jaguar and Minardi. He was known for his tough attitude, controversial decisions on young drivers, sudden demotions and harsh judgments.

Including the recent, unfounded criticism of Kimi Antonelli in Qatar. The Italian driver had in fact been accused by the Austrian manager of giving up his position to Lando Norris in the title fight in order to favour McLaren. This version was immediately denied by Mercedes itself. And by Max Verstappen, who forced his team to issue an official apology to Antonelli.

Sebastian Vettel certainly has the charisma and intelligence required, but he would be stepping into a job that demands political weight. Also cold nerves and the ability to navigate a constantly pressured environment.

Building a new winning cycle from 2026 with Max Verstappen

G68_AzZWkAE4cMH-1024x579 Red Bull 2026: Who Will Replace Helmut Marko?

After the official announcement of the Austrian manager’s departure, Red Bull faces a major gap to fill quickly. 2026 marks the beginning of a new cycle. The team wants to approach with a younger, cleaner and less controversial identity than in recent years. The goal is to continue betting on emerging talent while keeping stability intact. Building a more coherent and less turbulent working environment.

At the centre of it all, of course, will remain Max Verstappen. He is the strongest driver of his generation and the man Red Bull intends to continue building around. Whoever steps into Marko’s shoes will have to fit into this new philosophy, ensure continuity and make key decisions. During a historical moment where the team is changing its skin but not its ambitions.

Who Did Helmut Marko Discover? The Full Driver List

Throughout his long career as a talent spotter, sharp-eyed observer and heavyweight manager at Red Bull, Helmut Marko has unearthed all kinds of drivers: future stars, solid performers, brief comets, and even a few names that quietly faded away. We went through the full list of his “discoveries” and, honestly, it’s huge. Some drivers are almost forgotten today, others grew into strong competitors, but only two managed to reach the very top: Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, both four-time Formula 1 World Champions.

Among the most notable names are Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon, now racing for Williams and already confirmed for the 2026 season. Below is the complete chronological list, starting from 2005, the year Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso were born.

F1 Drivers Selected by Helmut Marko (with nationality):