Sebastian Vettel is regarded as one of the finest drivers of his generation in Formula 1.
His career had one unique parallel with another German multiple-world champion, Michael Schumacher, before going on to achieve greatness with Red Bull.
Both Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel made their debuts with one Formula 1 team and took part in their second Grand Prix with another.
Schumacher was poached by Benetton after his first race for Jordan, while Vettel made his debut for BMW Sauber in 2007.
After replacing Robert Kubica, he was signed by Toro Rosso, with Helmut Marko immediately recognising his talent.
The German went on to have a remarkable career, as Vettel won the 2008 Italian Grand Prix, pipping Red Bull to their first victory while racing for their junior team.
He was soon promoted by team principal Christian Horner, and four successive drivers’ championships followed.
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Sebastian Vettel responds when asked about replacing Helmut Marko at Red Bull
Vettel would go on to leave Red Bull to race for Ferrari and finally Aston Martin before retiring in 2022.
Since then, he’s stepped away from Formula 1, but Vettel has recently been linked with replacing Marko by the veteran Austrian.
Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast, Vettel was asked if he could imagine replacing Marko at Red Bull and explained, “I think there is only one Helmut and the role is quite clear.
“But yes, I think that in general, the exchange was very inspiring and of course, the experiences that I have and Helmut has are similar in a certain way.
“He also grew up in motorsport, albeit at a completely different time, but the wheel still turns the same in a certain way, and the same things matter today as they did however many years ago, even if Formula 1 has changed significantly.
“I do think that there are many things and perspectives or parallels that could be passed on.
“Whether that’s something for the future, we’ll see. I’m still in contact with him, I asked him how much longer he wanted to do it a few years ago, and he said not that much longer, and he’s still doing it.
“So, as long as he still enjoys it and feels up to the job, I think he’s in a unique role with his experience and the dynamics of the team.
“He knows that best and from the outside it is always difficult to judge and perhaps you sometimes ask yourself, how did this happen or what is this all about?
“But, of course, he has a completely different approach and completely different experiences.
“It will be a shame if he leaves at some point or is no longer in the position, but of course, the team then has to develop in a new, different direction.”
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What Sebastian Vettel has said about Max Verstappen amid Red Bull exit suggestions
One of the most important roles that Marko plays at Red Bull currently is keeping Max Verstappen happy.
Verstappen threatened to quit Red Bull last season when the team were considering sacking Marko, but that move never materialised.
However, Verstappen is being linked with a Red Bull exit currently, given that the team are struggling to keep up with championship leaders McLaren.
Talking about the situation with Sky Sports F1, Vettel said, “I think it’s the time when you really bond. It’s the time, after so many years, you are so close to each other.
“Some people left and some people came, but whether you win championships or not is happening anyway, it’s the nature of F1.
“But now is the time where you stick together and you have the chance to bounce back.”
Vettel described Verstappen as an ‘incredible talent’ and believes he’s maturing impressively with each passing season.
Marko doesn’t appear to be in any rush to step away from Red Bull, but Vettel will be watching carefully in case he has to step in to try and manage Verstappen in his quest to become F1’s greatest-ever driver.
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