‘The Vettel question was answered last week’

Michelle Foster
Christian Horner and Sebastian Vettel pa

Christian Horner and Sebastian Vettel pa

It sounds as if Christian Horner is growing tired of the Sebastian Vettel question, saying it was answered last week and nothing has changed.

With Vettel in the hunt for a new team for next season, Formula 1’s rumour mill suggested he could return to Red Bull, the team with whom he won his four World titles.

Asked the question, Vettel admitted he would be interested.

“Red Bull is a winning car so probably the answer would be yes,” he said ahead of the Styrian GP.

“It would be interesting. I know this team from the past very well and of course I still have contact with many people – Christian, Helmut (Marko) etc.

“They have a strong car and they are a strong team, that’s what I know from the past.”

However, when the question was put to Horner, he told the Sky Sports that it was a “definite no” to Vettel returning to the team in 2021.

“Unfortunately, it’s not something that we are going to be able to accommodate,” said the team boss. “That is a definite no I am afraid and Sebastian is aware of that.”

Get your hands on the official Ferrari 2020 collection via the Formula 1 store

That, though, hasn’t stopped the rumours, or the questions.

With Alexander Albon struggling to match his team-mate Max Verstappen, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher reckons Red Bull should turn to Vettel in order to have two strong drivers at the team.

“I think a comeback at Red Bull is possible,” he told Sky Germany. “He has a very close relationship with the people in charge. Especially Didi Mateschitz.

“Alexander Albon again didn’t cut a happy figure at Red Bull this weekend. You shouldn’t forget that he is on average half a second slower than Verstappen.

“In the long run a team cannot afford such a thing. They need a driver who regularly finishes second or third behind Max.”

That driver, though, won’t be Vettel.

Horner was once again asked about the possibility of putting Vettel in the car next season and once again denied that it was even an option.

“I think we’ve made our position on that very clear,” the Brit told Sky Sports F1.

“Then I’m reading this [Friday] morning speculation about Perez. But, as I say, our commitment is absolutely with our two drivers.

“The question on Sebastian was answered last week.

“He will always have a special part in this team for what we achieved together but we’re looking forwards and not backwards.”

Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle then brought up Vettel saying he regretted how he left Red Bull for Ferrari to which Horner replied: “Well he was younger in those days.

“I guess with the benefit of hindsight…he doesn’t have a manager, he does his own stuff, but that’s the way it was and, again, we are all looking forwards rather than back.”

Follow us on Twitter @Planet_F1 and like our Facebook page.