Yuki Tsunoda, when asked about the prospect of having Sebastian Vettel as his team boss, admitted it would be interesting to see the German in such a function.
There were some whispers going around in Formula 1 regarding a sensational comeback for Sebastian Vettel who retired at the end of the 2022 season, but not in a driving capacity, but rather a managerial role, some tipping him to replace Helmut Marko as Red Bull adviser, others claiming he may be replacing Franz Tost as AlphaTauri boss.
In fact, Marko previously hinted at Vettel taking on a top management role within the Red Bull organization especially that he himself was getting close to 80 years of age.
Recently, Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz launched speculations claiming that Vettel will be making a comeback, and while Audi’s 2026 F1 project might be an option, the pitlane reporter said Red Bull is the more probable option.
Kravitz said: “We may well see a surprise comeback of Sebastian Vettel this year, but it won’t be as a driver. 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, ‘Ah, d’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’.
“Possibly Audi, maybe, but I kind of think he will come back to Red Bull,” the Sky Sports F1 reporter mused.
News of a Vettel return in some capacity gaining traction
Another mention of a Vettel return came in an interview with Yuki Tsunoda in Formula 1‘s Beyond The Grid podcast, where Tom Clarkson asked the Japanese driver how he would feel if Vettel becomes his team boss, nothing the Franz Tost – currently 67 – previously said he will not remain a team boss at 70.
“I will definitely miss him,” Tsunoda said when asked how he felt of Tost departed. “We share a lot of moments together. We’re always on the same page. He has a lot of leadership. I will miss him, especially feeling the support he gives me so, if I lose him, maybe I won’t feel as comfortable or excited in the team compared to usual.”
Asked about the idea of having Vettel as his boss, he responded: “That would be really interesting to see how Sebastian would be as a Team Manager. He can be anything.”
Replacing Helmut Marko?
Then the AlphaTauri driver went on to say something interesting: “For example, what Helmut Marko is doing now with Red Bull juniors. I think Sebastian would also be very good at taking care of Red Bull juniors because he’s one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1.
“I can tell from all the race briefings from last year before qualifying, he always said the points where we have to improve in terms of track, the curb or something like that.
“He was the first guy to raise his hands so I think Sebastian can be that guy,” Tsunoda insisted.
Vettel left F1 at the end of 2022 a four-time Champion of the sport, with 53 grand prix wins and 57 wins and has been the most successful driver to emerge from the Red Bull junior driver program up to now, with Max Verstappen apparently on his way to emulate him if his current form is anything to go by.
While Vettel left the sport at a time when he was beyond his peak, after six fruitless season with Ferrari and two pointless campaigns with Aston Martin, and while many feel he is not done with F1 yet, a return as a driver would be unlikely. A return in a managerial role? Why not!
So having some sort of induction training on how to navigate the F1 bosses shark tank would be a good stepping stone for Vettel, until the time – which wouldn’t be too far away – Dr. Helmut Marko decides to call it a day, then his former protégé would step in and take over his role at Red Bull.