Red Bull Formula 1 advisor Helmut Marko has claimed that Sebastian Vettel had “repeatedly enquired” about a possible return to the team to partner Max Verstappen.
The Austrian squad did have a vacant drive alongside Verstappen in 2025 until it announced that the incumbent Sergio Perez had acquired a fresh contract extension.
But while Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was speculated as an alternative to the Mexican, Marko has since come and revealed that Vettel was also sounding out opportunities.
Vettel progressed into F1 through Red Bull’s ranks and would go on to take four consecutive Drivers’ titles and 38 wins with the senior squad between 2010 and 2013.
The German would depart at the end of 2014 to pursue a move to Ferrari, where he remained for six seasons prior to concluding his career with Aston Martin in 2022.
Vettel has insisted he’s not “planning” to reverse his retirement, but Marko’s comments have suggested that he would be willing to come back with a competitive side.
“He has repeatedly enquired with us, but I don’t think it would be pleasant for him to drive next to Max Verstappen,” Marko told the German publication Formule1.de.
Vettel participated in a test with Porsche in the marque’s 963 Hypercar at Aragon two months ago as the veteran weighs up a potential venture into endurance racing.
Marko has backed his ex-protege to hit the ground running in an alternative discipline, which could lead to Vettel competing in the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours next term.
“If I’m correctly informed, he seems to be moving towards Porsche and long-distance racing,” Marko added. “I think that would be a very nice step for him.”
Meanwhile, Vettel’s latest presence in the F1 paddock came at Imola last month as he drove Ayrton Senna’s 1993 McLaren car, 30 years on from the Brazilian’s death.
“It’s difficult to put in words, I think it was one of the strongest emotions I felt behind the wheel despite being alone on track and not even racing,” Vettel expressed.
“Incredible. When I got the flags out, it was so powerful. We had two very strong emotional moments on Thursday when we ran the track, and another one today.
“I’m happy that I had the courage to address my idea, come forward and invite the Senna family. And I only got positive feedback, it felt like the right thing to do.
“Ayrton is a driver who will be remembered, but we need to make sure we actively do so. Especially that weekend when Roland [Ratzenberger] also lost his life.
“Two drivers, who in the end are sort of colleagues of mine but I never had the chance to meet them. It means so much more than just racing.”
