Red Bull reveal chances of 'friend' Vettel returning

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says Sebastian Vettel remains "a friend of the team" as questions remain over the four-time world champion's future at Ferrari.

Horner was asked about the chance of bringing Vettel back to the team in an appearance on the Red Bull-owned Servus TV.

Vettel is contracted to Ferrari until 2020, but has spoken out regarding his dissatisfaction with modern F1 in recent weeks and months, especially after victory at the Canadian GP was taken away from him by a controversial penalty.

Heading into last week's Austrian GP, Red Bull were also fending off questions about their star driver, but Max Verstappen's victory in Spielberg has quietened suggestions that some of the performance clauses in the Dutchman's deal could be activated.

Vettel's future remains a source of mystery, however, and recent reports have suggested that Ferrari have begun seeking out potential replacements for the German, with his old Red Bull colleague Daniel Ricciardo on the shortlist.

Stopping short of suggesting that Red Bull would seek a swoop for their former star performer, Horner says Vettel's relationship with the team remains strong.

"We have very nice memories of our time with Sebastian," Horner said.

"He is part of the history of our team. He won four World Championship titles and many, many races together with us.

"He also clinched Red Bull's first victory in Formula 1. Of course, that's why we have a special relationship with Sebastian.

"Even though he's driving for Ferrari now, he still comes to see the mechanics more often. He knows most of the faces.

"He's still a friend of the team, and he was very happy with us about the result at the Red Bull Ring. There is mutual respect and friendship."

Red Bull may be seeking a fresh driver for 2020 as Pierre Gasly continues to struggle to get up to speed since his promotion from Toro Rosso, although another elevation from the junior team, where Daniil Kvyat and Alexander Albon currently reside, would seemingly be more likely than a superstar signing like Vettel.

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