Sebastian Vettel retired from Formula 1 at the end of 2022 but has hinted on more than one occasion in recent times that the idea of a comeback has some appeal to him
Four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel has “repeatedly enquired” about a return to Red Bull.
That’s the claim made by Helmut Marko, the team’s long-serving adviser who has a big say in their driver line-up. Currently, it consists of triple F1 champion Max Verstappen and team-mate Sergio Perez.
But there are question marks over the latter’s future and the topic has come up once again in recent weeks after the Mexican’s slip in form. Perez finished just eighth at Imola earlier this month and crash out in Monaco having qualified 18th.
understands Perez is in line for a new contract regardless as Red Bull view him as the best candidate to race alongside Verstappen next year. But doesn’t seem to have stopped Vettel from chancing his arm.
Speaking to Germany’s Formel1.de, Marko claimed the four-time F1 champion, who won all those titles with Red Bull, has brought up the idea of a comeback on multiple occasions.
He said: “[Vettel] has repeatedly enquired with us, but I don’t think it would be pleasant for him to drive next to Max Verstappen.
“If I’m correctly informed, he seems to be moving towards Porsche and long-distance racing. I think that would be a very nice step for him.”
Vettel retired from racing partly because the demands of the F1 calendar are not compatible with family life and the German wanted to spend more time with his wife and children.
He has still been getting out and about thought and has made several appearances at F1 events since walking away from the grid.
The most recent of those came at Imola where he led current drivers in special tributes to Ayrton Senna, 30 years on from his death at the Italian circuit.
He also took the time to visit old friends in the paddock and spent some time in the Red Bull motorhome chatting with team principal Christian Horner.
Speaking to reporters, including Mirror Sport , Vettel insisted he is not currently looking for a way back into F1. The 36-year-old said: “I miss great parts of it… But I don’t wake up in the mornings missing those moments on the podium when people shout your name.
“I think I’m quite realistic about life and trying to take on new challenges. I’m content and there are a lot of things that I miss, but a lot of things that I don’t miss.
It was a tough call when I made it but, yeah, I was thinking about coming back and I know beforehand that I would. But in the end nothing has changed so I’m still very happy with my decision.”
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