Red Bull considered bringing Vettel back: 'A few exploratory talks'

Sebastian Vettel won his four Formula One world titles with Red Bull Racing. Christian Horner has revealed that some talks took place with the German about a possible return to the team in 2021.

Vettel was hugely successful with Red Bull. The team won the drivers' championship and the constructors' title four times in a row. The four-time world champion left the team at the end of 2015 to make the switch to Ferrari. Since 2021, the driver has been driving for the Aston Martin team.

Red Bull is now led by single world champion Max Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez, who joined the team in 2021. Speaking to Channel 4, Horner was asked if Red Bull has tried to bring Vettel back in.

"We had a few exploratory talks. But it would be a bit like going back to an old girlfriend, it would probably never be quite the same second time around." Horner credits the team's remarkable achievements with the Aston Martin driver.

Horner thinks Vettel has made right choice

During the Grand Prix weekend in Hungary, Vettel announced that he will retire after the 2022 season. Horner knew nothing of the German's plan, but believes it is the right decision. After all, Aston Martin has not developed a great car and often has to do its best to finish in the points.

"I don’t think anybody did, I saw him as he left the paddock in Paul Ricard and it had been obviously a frustrating day for him. But I think it’s the right decision for him, it’s not good seeing him run around in the midfield, I don’t think he’s getting any satisfaction from that, the time is right to draw the curtain on what has been an amazing career", the Red Bull team boss ends.