Could Sebastian Vettel return to F1? The speculations around the 4x world champion emerged following Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes exit announcements. Some believed Toto Wolff had been in conversation with ‘Seb’, while others thought the German would take the seat beside Max Verstappen. Most of the information remains speculative. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s advisor Dr. Helmut Marko revealed the major reason behind not approaching Vettel for the next season.

Sebastian Vettel was Marko’s discovery. So, when Seb expressed his desire to return to the sport after two years of retirement, fans expected Red Bull to make a move. However, the silence in the squad was palpable. Vettel won four world titles with the team, but they prioritized new talents over the classic. Why wouldn’t the Austrian team bring their legend back? Helmut Marko has the answer to the hot questions.

Dr. Marko told Sport1 why Vettel wasn’t an option for a Red Bull comeback: “Sebastian has been gone for two years. Hülkenberg was gone longer, but he is not a four-time world champion, so he is even hungrier. And to be honest: Sebastian next to Max in the Red Bull? I didn’t want to put him through that.” He implied that while both have been away, Hülkenberg’s hunger to stay in the sport is greater because he isn’t a four-time champion like Vettel.

Could Audi be the team for Seb? With Nico Hulkenberg as a fixed driver for next year, maybe Vettel could fit in. At the same time, given the force Max Verstappen is in the current scenario, would Sebastian be able to cope? Moreover, what if Vettel isn’t on par with the Dutchman? Helmut Marko who has shared a great relationship with the German doesn’t want him to go through the pressure of being second to Max at Red Bull.

Sebastian Vettel is among the many discovered by Helmut Marko

Helmut Marko aka ‘F1’s Dr. Evil’ is the lynchpin of Red Bull’s racing division. He was the mastermind behind bringing Sebastian Vettel to the team in 2009. Before that, the German worked closely with the ‘old guy’ of Red Bull in his junior career. The motorsport community highly respects Marko for his keen observations and analysis. He can sift through a pool of drivers and pick the ‘champion material’ from them. Marko’s two favorites – Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen – both his discoveries have a combined seven world championships for Red Bull.

Besides Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen; Daniel Ricciardo, Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, and Carlos Sainz are Helmut Marko’s gift to F1. The advisor has savored both compliments and criticism from F1 fans and experts. However, we cannot overlook his contribution to motorsport. Moreover, Dr. Marko continues with his quest to find young talents for Red Bull. With his eyes set on the future of the sport, he is looking out for budding drivers like Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar.

For now, Sebastian Vettel is off Red Bull’s list. But who knows what the future has in store? F1 fans would be delighted to have Seb back in the paddock, and not as a guest! However, considering Helmut Marko’s words – it makes complete sense. His worries about Vettel’s Red Bull are valid in the current F1 picture.

Wouldn’t you like it if Sebastian Vettel returned to F1? Share your thoughts in the comments.