Marko would like to see Vettel at Mercedes: "Is sensational project"
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Sebastian Vettel is committed to Ferrari until 2020, but the Italian race team welcomes Carlos Sainz in 2021. This means that Vettel will have to look for a new employer, but the options seem limited for 32-year-old Heppenheimer. Of the competitive teams, only Mercedes and Renault still have a free seat for next year. Helmut Marko recently talked to Vettel about his future.
"I've been in contact with Sebastian. We looked at all possible options within Red Bull Racing, but unfortunately there weren't any", said Marko in conversation with the German branch of Sky. The 77-year-old Austrian suspects that Vettel doesn't need a seat at Renault. "I think the conclusion was that Sebastian would continue if he joined a winning team. That would be a clear story", he refers to the team of Mercedes.
Marko about retirement Vettel
A departure of Vettel from Formula 1 is therefore not unthinkable. "That would be a pity for the sport, but for him it is the best solution if there is no winning team available", he continues. "Sebastian is a four-time world champion who has achieved a lot in this sport and he is also in a good economic position. Stop before joining a team in midfield would suit the character and style of Sebastian".
According to Marko, it would be great news for Formula 1 if Mercedes decided to offer Vettel a contract. "That would be a sensational project for Formula 1. They would have always been first and second, if they had been as superior as in the past", says the advisor of Red Bull Racing. However, Toto Wolff's stable has several irons in the fire with Valtteri Bottas and George Russell for the role of 'second driver' behind Lewis Hamilton. The Briton has yet to renew his contract with Mercedes, but that seems a matter of time.
Marko did not speak to Verstappen
In the interview Marko further states that he did not ask team leader Max Verstappen how he would feel about a return of Vettel. The man from Graz argues that contracts have been signed with Verstappen and Alexander Albon and that therefore 'they have not been discussed'.