Horner: Vettel enormously unlikely to return to Red Bull
- Published on 13 May 2020 12:02
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Christian Horner says that Sebastian Vettel potentially returning to Red Bull in 2021 is an “extremely unlikely” scenario.
On Tuesday, Ferrari announced that it would not be continuing with Vettel after the 2020 season, leaving major question marks over Vettel's future in the sport.
The German has been linked with a move to McLaren in place of Carlos Sainz, who is set to take the second seat at Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc.
Vettel spent six years racing for Red Bull from 2009 to 2014, winning four consecutive world championships before making the swap to Ferrari.
Over the last handful of years, Max Verstappen has emerged as a leading driver for Red Bull, and signed a long-term extension over the winter.
Horner insists that Red Bull is content with its current line-up of Verstappen and Alexander Albon, and doesn't see change for the 2021 campaign.
"It's enormously unlikely,” Horner told Sky F1 when asked if Vettel could return to the energy drink-backed squad. "We have a long-term agreement with Max, and I think Alex is doing a good job.
“We've got a good dynamic within the team and experience shows that two alpha males doesn't tend to pan out well.”
Horner added that Red Bull doesn't want to have “two alphas” going forward, but is sure that Vettel will have other options on the grid.
"Sebastian is still a very competitive grand prix driver so I don't think it would be conducive for our team to have two alphas.
“We're happy with the driver line-up we have. I'm sure he's not short of options moving forward, but obviously he's chosen it hasn't worked out for him at Ferrari."
When asked if he thinks Vettel could retire from the sport at the end of the year Horner said: “He's still relatively young, he's in his early 30s, if he chose to stay he's obviously still very competitive.
"That's entirely down to him and nobody will know that other than Sebastian what his choices are. He's got strong values, he's got strong integrity, and I think he'll have thought long and hard about this."
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Replies (5)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I still think there is a solid chance, unless he or Marko are too proud, or Max too unwilling to share his toys. That'd leave Merc', Renault or McLaren. McL and Merc' are likely high on his wish list, but Hammy is bound to veto that, and McL won't allow him to fight for titles soon.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I wonder how Albon/Gasly feel about the confession (because there doesn't seem to be a better word) that any driver paired with Max is and will be a 'beta driver.'
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I mean, you don't go in at RBH because management is renowned for their gentle souls... :/
Pistonhead
Posts: 556
Looks like McL has been sorted, RIC in pole position for that? Alonso for Renault a long shot. I don't see any changes at Merc, it's not exactly broken there so........ it's looking like options are now limited.
essaouira311
Posts: 158
ONLY IN MERCEDES COULD SEB WIN HIS FIFTH TITLE.
AND HE KNOWS THAT.
EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT.