Marko understands Vettel very well: "This step is right and logical".

Helmut Marko and Sebastian Vettel have not worked together for some time, but the two men still speak to each other regularly. It was Marko who gave Vettel the chance at Red Bull Racing, resulting in four world titles. The Red Bull Racing advisor believes Vettel made the right choice in retiring.

After the 2020 season, Vettel was forced to leave the Ferrari team. The German opted for an adventure at Aston Martin, but that was against Marko's advice. The 79-year old Austrian thought that Vettel should take a sabbatical of a year, so that he had time to consider his options. According to Marko, Vettel signed with Aston Martin too early and would have received more and better contract offers from teams in 2022.

The stay at Aston Martin is therefore limited to two seasons. Marko thus believes that Vettel has now made the right choice. "I am happy for him. The step is right and logical. Thank you for a great time at Red Bull with four world titles," said Red Bull's chief executive in conversation with German Bild.

Vettel needs rest

Vettel will use 2023 mainly to spend a lot of time with his wife and children. In recent years, the Aston Martin driver has of course been abroad for around 75 per cent of the year due to his Formula 1 commitments. For that reason he also said that for the time being he will not take up a full-time position with a team from another racing class.