Helmut Marko on Sebastian Vettel and Robert Kubica. Helmut Marko guided the German driver through to Formula 1 with Toro Rosso.

Austrian former professional racing driver, current advisor to the Red Bull GmbH Formula One Teams and head of Red Bull’s driver development program Helmut Marko has recently backed Scuderia Ferrari german driver Sebastian Vettel to emerge on top of his title battle with Lewis Hamilton and claim a fifth world title, his first with the Maranello team.

Sebastian Vettel will begin the second half of the 2017 F1 campaign with a 14-point lead over his main title rival Lewis Hamilton, the two drivers having taken four wins apiece in Formula 1 this season. Helmut Marko guided the German driver through to Formula 1 with Toro Rosso, before Seb graduated to Red Bull in 2009, and claimed four straight titles between 2010 and 2013. Vettel moved on to Scuderia Ferrari in 2015 off the back of a disappointing title defence but Helmut Marko now thinks that his former protégé will emerge on top of the scrap with Hamilton: “I believe in Vettel, because I know his mental strength – and Ferrari has raised its game. Silverstone, I would say, was an exception – Ferrari was clearly the stronger car in the first half of the season and only due to various circumstances could they not materialise all their chances. What is fact is that we have been 60 points behind before the summer break – and still won the title with him! Seb will use this summer break to come back even stronger. That’s how I know him.” – Red Bull’s driver development program explained.

Red Bull boss Helmut Marko was also asked to comment on Robert Kubica and his possible return to Formula 1, adding that he sees no reason why the Pole should not retun if he feels up to the task: “”Before his accident, Kubica was one of the quickest drivers of his time. On top of that he had a successful time with Renault, and if they think that they can continue with that then it makes sense for them. I think it would be nice for Kubica to come back. And that age thing: I think that Verstappen is the exception. Generally, you have to look at the personality of a driver – there are some, like Verstappen, who are ready in their teens while others need more time. If Kubica still has what it takes, then why not?” – Helmut Marko concluded.