Tsunoda backs Vettel for future Red Bull F1 role

Yuki Tsunoda believes that Sebastian Vettel is the ideal candidate for a future managerial role within the Red Bull F1 fold.

Vettel retired from the sport at the end of the 2022 season following a 15-year career in which he clinched four World Championships, all of which were won with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013.

The possibility of Vettel returning to Formula 1 in a senior position has previously been speculated about, and Tsunoda has given his backing to the idea of the German taking on a new role, particularly one in which he could offer guidance to younger drivers.

Tsunoda backs Vettel for job like Marko’s

When asked on the Beyond The Grid podcast about the notion of Vettel becoming a team boss in F1, Tsunoda suggested that Vettel would suit the kind of role currently played by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.

“That would be really interesting to see how Sebastian would be as a team manager,” the AlphaTauri driver said.

“He can be anything. 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.”

Vettel’s influence in driver briefings

Tsunoda believes that Vettel’s willingness to speak up in driver briefings during his time in Formula 1 also highlights the skills he could bring to a managerial or mentoring role.

“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 kerb or something like that,” Tsunoda added.

“He was the first guy to raise his hands so I think Sebastian can be that guy.”

Vettel has yet to decide on his career path going forwards but recently suggested that he has no regrets about walking away from F1, despite Aston Martin’s success so far in 2023.