Marko says Vettel not suited to his F1 role

Dr Helmut Marko has shut down speculation linking Sebastian Vettel to a Red Bull return, while also brushing aside renewed questions about Max Verstappen's long-term future.

Amid talk that quadruple world champion Vettel could rejoin Red Bull in an advisory role, Marko told Sport1 in Hungary that the idea had gone nowhere.

"The whole thing didn't go any further because we had more than enough to do with the team restructuring at Red Bull Racing," said the 82-year-old, who has expanded his influence since Christian Horner’s removal earlier this year.

"It's a full-time job. You can't just do it for a few races. I don't think the requirement profile from our side is suitable for him."

Vettel was reportedly in serious talks to replace Marko earlier this year, but those rumours have cooled in recent weeks. Marko’s latest comments now appear to close the door completely.

He also addressed the swirling July rumours around Verstappen's possible exit in 2026 or beyond.

Asked whether he would have stayed at Red Bull had Verstappen left, Marko replied: "My contract runs until the end of 2026. Then we'll see what happens."

As for whether his own deal contains any performance-related exit clauses like those rumoured in Verstappen’s contract, he laughed: "No, none based on championship positions."