Sebastian Vettel’s attempt to secure an F1 comeback in 2025 was turned down, with both Red Bull and Audi refusing his approach.
Dr. Helmut Marko revealed that he had clearly said “no” to Sebastian Vettel’s desire to return to Formula 1 with Red Bull in 2025.
Amid swirling rumors last year about Sergio Perez’s uncertain future, Red Bull’s advisor admitted that the team’s former four-time world champion picked up the phone.
This came despite the fact that, just days ago, the 37-year-old German insisted he was perfectly happy in retirement.
“I’ve really enjoyed these past years, including the time spent with my children. I hope the kids did too. Maybe the feeling will change again, but for now, things are still going very well.”
Yet Vettel is “not completely done” with Formula 1.
He admitted that he still feels fit enough and continues to look for a way back.
Despite the official version given at the time by Aston Martin F1, Vettel did not actually retire voluntarily. Aston Martin did not want to extend his contract, and others were not willing to offer him a new one.
According to multiple confirmed sources, Vettel offered his services not only to Red Bull but also to Sauber/Audi. His bid for a return was first rejected by Andreas Seidl, then by his former Ferrari boss, Mattia Binotto, who took charge of the project in the summer of 2024.
As for Marko, he openly admitted that Vettel wanted to be Max Verstappen’s teammate for 2025.
“Sebastian would have liked to race alongside Max for us. But it wouldn’t have made sense, and the refusal was also a way to protect him.”
“Max would have clearly beaten him and damaged Sebastian’s reputation. I couldn’t and didn’t want to allow that.”
David Coulthard, who retired from F1 in 2008 at the age of 37 while driving for Red Bull, urged Vettel to fully embrace life after racing.
“He should let it go and stop dreaming that he’ll be faster after a few years off. He wasn’t quite at his best at the end with Aston Martin. The stopwatch doesn’t lie.”
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Vettel’s Return Blocked by Red Bull and Audi F1 Vettel’s Return Blocked by Red Bull and Audi F1
