F1 legend given amazing Max Verstappen warning amid return talks

Max Verstappen, Red Bull, China, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

F1 legend given amazing Verstappen warning amid return talks

A F1 champion has been heavily linked with a return to the sport

Tyler Rowlinson

Friday 31 May 2024 09:12

Red Bull chief advisor Helmut Marko has claimed that Sebastian Vettel has asked about making an incredible return to Formula 1.

The four-time world champion hung up his helmet and racing gloves at the end of the 2022 season after a difficult two years at Aston Martin.

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Vettel won his four consecutive championships with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, and came close to winning further titles with Ferrari after he joined the Maranello squad in 2015.

With the driver market being in utter chaos heading into 2025 and numerous seats currently available, the German has been linked with a possible return to the sport.

Sebastian Vettel retired from F1 in 2022

The German has been heavily linked with a return

Could Sebastian Vettel return to Red Bull?

Now, according to Marko, the 36-year-old has been enquiring about returning to the Milton Keynes-based squad and replacing Sergio Perez.

Speaking with Formel1.de, the Austrian said: “Vettel has repeatedly enquired with us, but I don’t think it would be pleasant for him to drive next to Max Verstappen.”

Perez was retained by Red Bull for 2024 after he secured the team’s first one-two finish in the world championship last year, but has been under increased pressure to keep his seat for 2025.

After his crash in Monaco, the Mexican sits fifth in the standings, 62 points behind team-mate Verstappen, as the team are assessing their options for their second driver for next year.

Vettel won his four world titles with Red Bull

Since 2018, the Dutchman’s previous team-mates in Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and now Perez have struggled to compete with him and it is likely to be no different if Vettel was to get the drive.

The German has remained connected to the motorsport world, having recently tested the Porsche 963 hypercar in Spain and hinted at a possible move to endurance racing.

“If I’m correctly informed, he seems to be moving towards Porsche and long-distance racing. I think that would be a very nice step for him,” added Marko.

Red Bull Max Verstappen Formula 1 Aston Martin Helmut Marko Sebastian Vettel