Marko proud of Vettel: 'Decision absolutely the right one'

Sebastian Vettel announced prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend that he is entering his final season in Formula 1. This brings an end to a successful career in the motorsport class, in which he experienced his most successful period under contract to Red Bull Racing. Helmut Marko looks back on that time with a good feeling.

The German was able to prove himself at Toro Rosso to such an extent that Red Bull Racing took a chance on him in 2009. While he finished second in his first season, he went on to enjoy several golden years with the Austrians. With four world titles between 2010 and 2013, he more than lived up to expectations.

After having to live with a fifth place finish in 2014, he made the switch to Ferrari. However, he did not disappear from Marko's thoughts after that. The Red Bull advisor says he enjoyed Vettel's qualities for years and is therefore sorry to see the German driver quit, although he understands it.

"I thought the speech with which he announced his departure was very strong," Marko told Sky Sports Deutschland. "It shows that his interests are now going in a different direction. And of course you also have to take into account that he didn't have a competitive place and probably wouldn't have found one. So the decision is absolutely the right one."