Martin Brundle gives his nine-word verdict after Helmut Marko suggested Sebastian Vettel as his Red Bull replacement

Change has been taking place behind the scenes at Red Bull Racing throughout the last 12 months, and not always for the better.

Max Verstappen has seen three different drivers occupy the Red Bull garage next door over the past six months.

Sergio Perez and Liam Lawson were let go and now it’s up to Yuki Tsunoda to try and help Red Bull make a bid to regain the constructors’ championship.

However, several of Christian Horner’s most trusted backroom staff have also moved on recently.

Adrian Newey is now working for Aston Martin, Rob Marshall has been credited with much of McLaren’s recent success, and Jonathan Wheatley is now Sauber’s team principal.

Will Courtenay will make the switch from Red Bull to McLaren next year, and while Horner has confidence in the staff he’s promoting from within the team, these decisions are going to impact the team.

One man who has played a vital role in Red Bull’s success since their introduction to the F1 paddock is Helmut Marko.

However, the Austrian is now 81 years old, and has now identified his potential successor.

READ MORE: Who is Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko? Everything to know

Helmut Marko talks up Sebastian Vettel’s chances of taking his job at Red Bull

Marko was asked on Sky Germany about the idea of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel taking his job and said, “I think he would be the ideal successor candidate.

“It is clear that at some point you can no longer do it, not least because of your age. Because those travel efforts are no small thing.

“Of course, it would be great if a guy like Sebastian could take over. You have the side of the junior programme, he’s already working with girls here in the go-karts in Saudi Arabia.

“I don’t think he needs a year [to get up to speed].

“That’s two races and then he has it under control. But this is a new approach and I think Sebastian has found himself now.

“He knows what he wants to do in the future and that is first and foremost motor racing. He may be a forest owner in Austria with his own hunting grounds, but you can combine all that.”

David Croft and Martin Brundle discussed the idea on Sky Sports F1 (20/4 7:40 pm) at the conclusion of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and Croft said, “Raymond Vermeulen, Max Verstappen’s manager, in conversation with Dr. Helmut Marko and Christian Horner.

“Marko, not looking overly pleased with tonight. Nominated Sebastian Vettel as his successor to him at Red Bull on the day that he decides to stop looking after the driver development program.

Brundle simply replied, “A somewhat different style I imagine that would be!”

READ MORE: Sebastian Vettel’s eyes light up when he talks about one F1 driver who’s never led the championship

Does Sebastian Vettel have Helmut Marko’s ruthless streak to lead Red Bull’s driver program?

Marko currently oversees Red Bull’s junior driver program and has been very busy in recent years.

Isack Hadjar was the latest driver he handed an opportunity in F1 to this year, while Marko pushed hard for Lawson to replace Daniel Ricciardo last season, before playing his part in the New Zealander being switched back to Racing Bulls after just two races.

The likes of Arvid Lindblad, Pepe Marti and Oliver Goethe are all competing in Formula 2 this year to try and earn Marko’s favour and make the step up to an F1 team in 2026.

Vettel is incredibly data driven, and that will help him in any role where he needs to analyse whether a driver’s career should continue with Red Bull, or if it’s time to part ways.

He also knows the Red Bull system very well, even though he didn’t strictly come through their academy, signing for Toro Rosso after a single race for BMW Sauber.

Vettel also has close ties with Horner and Verstappen, and even though the Dutchman has always said his Red Bull future is tied to Marko’s, the German might be one of the few people who could convince him not to explore his options elsewhere.