Sebastian Vettel has been tipped to replace Dr Helmut Marko at Red Bull in the future, believes Formula 1 pundit Ted Kravitz.
Vettel retired from racing in F1 at the end of the 2022 season following two campaigns with Aston Martin.
His most successful years, however, were spent at Red Bull in the early 2010s where he won four consecutive F1 World Championships.
Kravitz believes that Vettel will be back working in the paddock as soon as this year – but is a firm believer that the German’s driving days are behind him.
“We may well see a surprise comeback of Sebastian Vettel this year, but it won’t be as a driver,” said the Sky Sports man.
“I truly believe he has decided not to drive anymore and as a man of integrity, as I know he is, I don’t think he is going to disappoint everybody by going ‘ahh, do you know what, I wasn’t sincere in that, here we go, I am coming back as a driver’.
“And everybody will go ‘hang on, we said goodbye to you’.”
Vettel previously stated that he would be open to returning to a once-off race appearance if his services were required at the Suzuka Circuit, known to be his favourite track.
But Kravitz explained that he sees Vettel returning to Red Bull in place of Marko, who has long been present in the Red Bull stable.
The Austrian oversees the driver development programme at the team and has been responsible for bringing several drivers, including Vettel, to F1.
Another project that could entice Vettel is a position within the Audi F1 team management ahead of its arrival to the 2026 grid.
But Kravitz believes that Red Bull is a more likely destination.
“Possibly Audi, maybe, but I kind of think he will come back to Red Bull,” he said.
“I think he will replace Helmut Marko, that is more likely. As the sort of motorsport advisor.”
