F1 News: Red Bull Head Teases Sebastian Vettel Return - "Driver's Itch Hasn't Left Him"

Helmut Marko suggests Sebastian Vettel might return to F1, but not with Red Bull soon.

Helmut Marko hinted at Sebastian Vettel's potential F1 return despite his 2022 retirement. 

Despite Sebastian Vettel's retirement following the 2022 season, the Formula 1 fraternity hasn't ruled out the possibility of the celebrated driver's return. Making appearances at prestigious racing events like the Race of Champions and the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Vettel has been vocal about his contentment with life away from the circuit's intensity.

Helmut Marko, Red Bull's advisor, shared insights on Vettel's mindset during a chat with ServusTV. He commented: 

“I think Sebastian feels somehow without a specific task right now, he doesn't know exactly what he should do. The driver's itch hasn't left him, and I believe his time behind the wheel isn't entirely behind him.”

However, Marko was also quick to dispel the notion of Vettel's return to Red Bull's driver lineup anytime soon. Addressing the issue, he said: 

“Besides Verstappen, honestly, I don't want to do that to him and now we have contracts. They're set for a while, with Perez solidly on board till 2024.”

Marko further highlighted Red Bull's current roster, indicating their new AlphaTauri driver:

“We already boast an experienced racer in Daniel Ricciardo. Should Sebastian decide to make a comeback, his ambition would naturally gravitate towards joining an elite team with a focus on capturing victories.”

As the buzz grows around German team Audi's anticipated F1 entrance along with the introduction of fresh regulations in 2026, this year emerges as a potential window for Vettel's re-entry. However, Marko was definitive in stating that, for the time being, any collaboration between Vettel and Red Bull remains off the table.