Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko played some interesting odds last Sunday when he put his chips on Sebastian Vettel winning the Malaysian Grand Prix.

After winning an internal paddock bet made on Red Bull's former champ, Marko cashed in to the tune of €400, proving he was as sharp at betting as he was at indentifying young talent.

"I knew that Sebastian could do it, you could see it as early as Friday practice," Marko told Sport Bild. "He didn't just forget how to drive in one year, he just couldn't drive our car as he needed to. Maybe people will realise at last that it was not our car alone that gave him those four titles."

Vettel's triumph on Sunday put the German second in the world championship standings, three points behind Lewis Hamilton before next week's Chinese Grand Prix.

Click here for Sunday's gallery from the Malaysian Grand Prix

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Hadjar ruled out again as Red Bull confirm Madrid line-ups

Red Bull has decided once again not to rush Isack Hadjar back into Formula 1…

7 hours ago

Colapinto heartbroken after ‘very painful’ Italian GP blunder

Franco Colapinto was left to rue a painful mistake at Monza after a promising start…

9 hours ago

F1i Driver Ratings for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari (DNF) – 3.5/10 A nightmare home outing for the Monegasque. After a…

10 hours ago

Gasly urges Alpine to build on ‘story of my life’ Monza weekend

Pierre Gasly could hardly have scripted a more extraordinary Italian Grand Prix weekend – even…

12 hours ago

McLaughlin’s long wait ends in style at Laguna Seca

What a way to end the season. After 36 races without a victory, Scott McLaughlin…

13 hours ago

Hamilton slams Ferrari’s lack of team orders - now ‘it’s far too late’

Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari’s failure to establish clear rules of engagement between its drivers has…

14 hours ago