Max Verstappen has indicated he would be open to seeing fellow world champion Sebastian Vettel rejoin Red Bull in a leadership capacity.
Vettel, who secured four consecutive drivers` championships for Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, disclosed recently that he is engaged in initial discussions with Helmut Marko about potentially succeeding him as an advisor to the team.
Marko, recognized for his pivotal role in nurturing drivers through the Red Bull junior program into Formula 1, sees his contract expire at the close of 2026. He has not yet confirmed whether he intends to continue beyond that time, when he will be 84 years old.
Speaking about Vettel on Thursday, ahead of the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen remarked: “It`s completely understandable that someone who has achieved so much with Red Bull, and was essentially developed by Red Bull… in a way, there`s always an opening available.”
“I believe Seb maintained a very positive relationship with Helmut throughout, even after he departed.”
“I wasn`t aware they were in communication, but I am certain there will always be room for Seb in some capacity.”
Vettel spent six seasons driving for Red Bull before moving to Ferrari in 2015. Verstappen was subsequently promoted to the main Red Bull squad during the 2016 season.
Following six seasons with Ferrari, where he didn`t secure any further championship titles, Vettel competed for two years with Aston Martin before retiring from the sport at the conclusion of the 2022 season.
Discussing the possibility of taking over Marko`s role earlier this week with Austrian broadcaster ORF, Vettel stated: “I`m uncertain. There have been various reports, and my relationship with Helmut remains excellent.”
“We are discussing this, though perhaps not with great intensity or detail just yet, but it is a possibility. The specific form it could take is yet to be determined.”
Max: Relationship with Perez Remains Strong Despite Media Reports
During Thursday`s press conference, Verstappen also responded to questions regarding another former Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez, who had recently gained attention due to comments made on a podcast.
Among the points Perez raised in the extensive interview was the suggestion that Verstappen `bottles things up` before expressing them on track, as Perez reflected on a rare on-track confrontation between the pair during their four seasons as teammates.
Verstappen maintained that Perez`s comments had been misrepresented by the media and reiterated that he shares a “great relationship” with him.
He said: “I think the interpretation of his words is not what he intended. I have an excellent relationship with Checo. We have always been good teammates. I have a lot of respect for him, and he has a lot of respect for me, and that is my perspective.”
“I hope to see him in the paddock again soon. I still need to give him one of my helmets. I promised him. He gave me one of his with a very kind message, and I promised him mine, hopefully around the time of the Mexico race.”
“Regardless of what the media reports, I know Checo well, and we have a strong relationship.”
Austrian Grand Prix 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
Marcus Prine