Sebastian Vettel says he was “never really close” to a return to Red Bull F1 despite having “short conversations” with team bosses following learning he would be released from Ferrari in 2020. .
Sebastian Vettel spent six seasons with Red Bull Racing between 2009 and 2014, winning all four world titles before moving to Ferrari in 2015.
Ferrari has opted not to renew Sebastian Vettel’s contract, which expires at the end of the 2020 season. It paved the way for Vettel to move to Aston Martin F1 the following year.
At the time, Sebastian Vettel was rumored to be returning to Red Bull and is known to have spoken to Red Bull F1 motorsport advisor Helmut Marko. But Red Bull Racing F1 team principal Christian Horner has ruled it out as a viable option for the summer of 2020.
When Red Bull Racing selected a replacement for Alexander Albon at the end of the 2020 season, it turned to Sergio Perez, who became a free agent following Aston Martin’s decision to sign Sebastian Vettel. .
Asked regarding the seriousness of negotiations with Red Bull following leaving Ferrari, Sebastian Vettel said he was never a firm prospect.
Sebastian Vettel said: “I decided to join Aston Martin before there was any serious discussion regarding Alex leaving.
“So we weren’t really close. Christian, of course I know Helmut. I certainly had a quick chat with them, but nothing really serious.”
“If it was an option or something serious, we at least knew to talk regarding it, but we never got to that point.”
“Of course, in a few months, I can look back and say what if, but I’m happy with the choice I made.”
Sebastian Vettel will retire from F1 at the end of this season. He finished second in Azerbaijan last year and leaves the team with Aston Martin F1’s best two-year result since the 2021 rebrand.
2022 has proven to be a more difficult year for Aston Martin, but Sebastian Vettel says he has no regrets regarding his decision to join the team.
“Last year and this year we thought we would be more competitive, but we weren’t,” said Sebastian Vettel.
“I am very happy with the way the team has progressed and the way we are working together. It was a challenge.”
“I think I accepted it and tried to make the most of it.”
Sebastian Vettel has yet to confirm his plans beyond Formula 1, other than competing in next January’s Race of Champions, but staying connected to the Formula 1 paddock, including in a role other than a driver, is currently “a concern”. I’m not thinking of anything,” he said.
“Whether or not there are offers of that nature, time will tell what is possible,” said Sebastian Vettel.
“After that, let’s see how I feel. At the moment, I’m very happy to have more time for other things. I’m looking forward to seeing more of my kids.”
“In three months or in three years, time will tell. I don’t know. We’ll see how it goes.”
Category: F1 / Sebastian Vettel / red bull
