Christian Horner says Sebastian Vettel has reassured him he isn’t in contact with Ferrari about driving for them in the near future.
With the rumour mill fully up and running, the usual candidates have been touted as replacements for Felipe Massa, with the young German currently heading the list.
Whilst Italian media reports that pre-contracts have been signed, Horner is confident that the two-time world champion is staying put for many years to come.
“I have spoken with Sebastian about it and he’s made it quite clear that he hasn’t had any dialogue and hasn’t signed anything with Ferrari,” Reuters quote him as saying.
“I think most of our team has been going to Ferrari at some point this year, whether it be Adrian [Newey], Mark [Webber], Sebastian, even myself at one stage was supposed to be going.
“Sebastian is very comfortable in the team, the team is very comfortable with Sebastian,” he said. “He’s been with Red Bull for over 12 years now and I think he will be us for quite a few years to come.
“I have no concern over Sebastian and where he will be in 2013, 2014 or beyond.”
The Red Bull team principal then added that he doesn’t believe Vettel holds any emotional ambition to drive for Ferrari, suggesting it isn’t a must during his career.
“I don’t think Ferrari is a must for him,” he added. “He’s very happy where he is, achieving great results where he is and he’s focused on trying to achieve a lot more.”
However, in 2010 Vettel told reporters the following, suggesting otherwise: “Ferrari is unlike any other team – it’s a legend. There are other brands that achieve great success, but Ferrari is special. Why not go there in a few years?”
