Max Verstappen in line for shock link-up as leading candidate for Red Bull top job emerges

One of 's former rivals could be bossing him around at in the not-too-distant future, according to . The elderly Austrian appears to be nearing the end of his time in Formula One, having recently celebrated his 82nd birthday. He faces an uncertain future at Red Bull and has openly acknowledged that he will not be in the paddock for much longer.

Marko currently heads up Red Bull's driver programme and is one of the key figures overseeing Verstappen's career. Given the importance of his role within the team, his eventual replacement will need to be a candidate of outstanding quality. It has been suggested that a familiar face could be drafted in to succeed Marko when he finally steps back from the job.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has been heavily linked with the role, having been touted as a natural fit. He won all of his titles with Red Bull, claiming the honours in successive seasons between 2010 and 2013.

Marko believes Vettel would be the perfect man to take over his job when he retires, admitting that he is finding it harder and harder to cope with the demands of working in F1.

"It is clear that at some point it is no longer possible," said Marko. "Physically it will stop at some point and the travelling and the tensions in F1 are not nice. And of course it would be great if a guy like Sebastian could continue to do that."

Vettel has remained coy when quizzed on the prospect of a return to F1 in the past. However, in a recent interview with , he revealed that he had been speaking to Marko about a variety of topics, including a potential leadership role.

"I still get along very well with Helmut and we are also in talks," said the German. "In terms of subject [becoming Marko's successor], not yet so intensive and not so deep, but that is perhaps something that can play a role.

"It remains to be seen in what form. Helmut has said a few times that he is going to stop, but he is still there and I hope he will be there for a long time."

It comes a few weeks after Vettel refused to deny that he would be returning to Red Bull in a management capacity. When quizzed last month on the possibility of taking up such a role, he replied: "Those are big questions to which there are no quick answers."