DSebastian Vettel was no longer the center of Formula 1 for a long time, but these days he suddenly succeeds – at least off the track. Career end? Spectacular return to Red Bull? Everything that has rank or name in the paddock currently speaks about the future of the former German world champion. And of course Vettel himself does that too.
“I want to continue to achieve something in Formula 1,” he explains in Spielberg, “don’t just participate or grab some money. I have something to prove, especially myself. “
Before the second race of the season on Sunday (3.10 p.m. / FAZ live ticker for Formula 1, RTL and Sky), however, the interesting options for Vettel’s life after Ferrari disappear – and it is slowly becoming clear what the 33-year-old’s dream is like: Vettel wants 2021 back to Red Bull, the team that led him to four World Cup titles from 2010 to 2013.
The former industry leader was reluctant for a long time, and now even weighed off. At the moment, there is “no place” in the team, said Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko at auto motor und sport, team boss Christian Horner became even clearer. When asked about Vettel, Red Bull gave “a definite no, I’m afraid,” said the Englishman at Sky Sports News: “I think Sebastian knows that.”
Indeed, Vettel has known the state of affairs at least since a conversation with Marko in Spielberg in the past few days. Nevertheless, he continues to flirt quite unmoved.
Albon performs
“Red Bull has a winning car,” he says, “so that would be interesting, of course.” Even the stable duel with star pilot Max Verstappen would not deter him, “if you want to win, you have to take on everyone anyway.” I still know the team well, I have constant contact anyway. The way to Red Bull, says Vettel, “is not a long way.”
The problem of German is less Max Verstappen. It’s about the second cockpit, Alex Albon has it, he’s still without a contract for 2021, but has strong arguments.
The son of a British and a Thai woman performs well, comes from the Red Bull squad and is cheap. All of this certainly helps him, but the structure of power in the background is much more valuable.
Because the majority of Red Bull GmbH does not hold, for example, the Austrian Dietrich Mateschitz, but a Thai family: that of the late entrepreneur Chaleo Yoovidhya, whose energy drink Mateschitz came up with the Red Bull idea in the 1980s.
Albon competes in Formula 1 under a Thai license, and he receives strong support from the group behind the racing team. If Albon continues to perform well, Horner and Marko are probably simply tied.
In the hope of a return, Vettel therefore only has one thing: Wait and see whether there is a sporting need for a change at Red Bull. Only if Albon disappoints on the track can the matter move. The bulls are too ambitious when hunting for Mercedes, which has caused many drivers to fail.
“We have to see what the next few months bring,” says Vettel. The free practice on Friday allowed at least the conclusion that Albon does not leave the speculations about his cockpit completely cold. The 24-year-old flew off several times. Horner shook his head at the box.
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