Max Verstappen says there's 'always a spot' for Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull

F1 champion Max Verstappen has teased a Red Bull return for Sebastian Vettel, after the German driver was named as a potential replacement for Helmut Marko.

Vettel won all four of his F1 drivers' championships at Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, before leaving the team for Ferrari and ending his career at Aston Martin.

NASCAR HEADLINES: Denny Hamlin suffers Cup Series demotion as multiple stars penalized at Atlanta

The 37-year-old retired at the end of the 2022 campaign, but has been consistently linked with a return, with next season's debutants Audi previously interested in securing a deal.

While he has distanced himself from the prospect of lining up on the grid once again, Vettel has emerged as a candidate to replace Red Bull executive Helmut Marko.

Vettel confirmed the pair had held preliminary talks prior to the Austrian Grand Prix, and Verstappen has admitted he would love to see him back in the Red Bull garage.

Speaking in Thursday’s FIA press conference at the Red Bull Ring, Verstappen said: “It’s more than normal that someone that has achieved so much with Red Bull, has been brought up by Red Bull, in the sense that there’s always a spot available right?”

“Seb [Vettel] always kept a really good relationship with Helmut anyway, even when he left, so I didn’t know of course that they were talking but I'm sure there’s always a space for Seb in any kind of form.”

Should Vettel return to Red Bull and F1?

Vettel has been keeping himself busy since stepping out of the spotlight, with his popularity amongst fans arguably increasing in recent years due to his desire to tackle controversial topics.

He is a strong advocate for promoting sustainability within the sport, and has been eager to involve young people in helping to improve the environment.

The 53-time grand prix winner has also gained widespread praise for his determination to create opportunities for women to compete on the track, and returned to Saudi Arabia in 2025 with his Race4Women event.

Vettel has recently completed a Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports course at Harvard Business School, and returned to school last year to embark on an agricultural degree.

READ MORE: Chase Elliott issues clear message to Rick Hendrick following Atlanta victory

Related

Austrian Grand Prix

F1 Qualifying Results: McLaren dominate as Verstappen beaten by demoted Red Bull star

• June 28, 2025 17:30

Austrian Grand Prix

F1 Results Today: McLaren bounce back in style as stars shine at Austrian Grand Prix

• June 28, 2025 13:49