Sebastian Vettel says he is open to a return to Red Bull Racing for the 2021 Formula 1 season, and would have no concerns going up against Max Verstappen, if the team offers him a contract.
Verstappen is on a long-term deal through 2023 while Alexander Albon’s place at Red Bull has so far only been assured for 2020.
Vettel will leave Ferrari at the end of the year after the team opted against offering him a new deal, and on Thursday reiterated his desire to remain in Formula 1, having confirmed he held tentative talks with Renault, which has now signed Fernando Alonso.
Vettel appeared on the Red Bull-owned Servus TV station earlier this week, alongside Verstappen and Christian Horner, who nonetheless cautioned that a return for the four-time champion was unlikely.
Vettel raced for Red Bull from 2009 through 2014, having previously been part of its junior scheme, winning all four of his Formula 1 titles for the team, prior to moving to Ferrari.
When asked by MotorsportWeek.com about whether he regarded Red Bull as an option, and would be happy to partner Verstappen, Vettel said: “Generally I’m of the conviction that if you want to win you have to be happy to take on anyone so I don’t think it is question of your potential team-mate no matter where you will find yourself.
“I obviously again know the team very, very well from my past, of course I’m still in contact with a lot of people there, whether it is Christian, Helmut [Marko] or others.
“The appearance on Servus TV had nothing to do with that, or a potential future, but Red Bull has a winning car, I believe so, they are a very strong team.
“I know how strong they are from the past, I know they have evolved, it is not fair to say I know the team inside out because it also has changed and moved on, but I know why they were strong back then.
“They are still I think a contender and it’s a car you can win races in so for sure that would be interesting.”
When asked further if he would accept a 2021 contract offer, Vettel replied: “As I said it’s a winning car and as I said earlier I’m here to compete, I’m here to win, so probably the answer would be yes.”
Speaking more generally about his future Vettel reiterated that he will “take the time that I need to take a decision for myself first.
“Everything is an option at the moment: carry on, have a break, or retire, but I haven’t made a decision yet.
“It depends on what sort of options there are around, not a secret I’m competitive, I’ve achieved so much in this sport and interested in achieving more, not just in taking part, we’ll see what happens and take it from there.”
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