Sebastian Vettel has opened up about previous discussions with Red Bull Racing, admitting that they “never gained any traction.” Still, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion suggested that he could make a comeback to Formula 1 if the “right opportunity” came along.
Vettel stepped away from the sport at the end of 2022, ending a stellar career that included 53 Grand Prix wins and 299 starts. Since his retirement, he has dedicated his time to environmental projects and advocacy, yet he remains deeply connected to the F1 paddock. During his appearance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, while promoting the F1REST project, he shared his perspective on the sport’s latest developments with Sky Sports F1.
Vettel on Christian Horner’s Sudden Exit
Asked about Christian Horner’s surprise departure from Red Bull earlier this year, Vettel admitted the news caught him off guard.
“Surprised,” Vettel said when asked about the news. “Christian has been there for so long, since the very beginning, and knows this team inside out. I think for this year everything was in place.
“I know Laurent [Mekies] as well, the successor, and I’ve worked with him and he’s a really, really great person, but I think Christian left some big footsteps. Not just because of all the success he’s had with the team, but also I think he was such a central part of the team – he knew what was going on and so on.
“I’m not completely aware of the organisation, the structure, and especially the plan for the future, but that’s where I think it’s valid to say, let’s wait and see how it turns out.”
Red Bull Role Discussions Never Progressed
Vettel was among those rumored to be in line for a future Red Bull advisor role, possibly replacing Helmut Marko. When asked about it, he clarified that the talks didn’t progress.
“I don’t know, I read as well there was a lot of talk about it and so on, and I did speak with Helmut a little bit, but it never got anywhere, never gained any traction.”
Vettel Still Passionate About Formula 1
While enjoying his post-racing life, Vettel confessed that he still keeps a close eye on Formula 1 and the people he once raced alongside.
“I think for me, I’m fairly happy where I am in life right now,” Vettel said. “I love Formula 1. In the beginning I thought, I’m not sure whether I want to keep watching because I need to get a distance and so on.
“But I watch the races and I follow, and I love it because I just love the sport. I know the guys as well so I’m still close in that way.
“I don’t know, if the right opportunity, position, perspective, whatever, turns up or could turn up, maybe there’s a role that I could be happy to step up to. Time will tell.”
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