Sebastian Vettel in talks over Red Bull return as German confirms plan

Four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel is in talks over a dramatic return to Red Bull. The German driver, 37, retired from the sport at the end of the 2022 season after two years at Aston Martin.

He's since made sporadic appearances at F1 events, but has resisted the temptation to return. Instead, in May 2023 he became co-owner of the Germany SailGP team alongside Thomas Riedel. However, he's now admitted he's been in dialogue with Helmut Marko over working for Red Bull in a non-driving capacity.

Vettel has previously been tipped to succeed Marko, 82, when he eventually steps down as leader of the Red Bull driver development programme. The icon himself came through the system and justified the faith of team bosses by winning four consecutive titles between 2010 and 2013.

He's now addressed speculation over the rumours, telling ORF: "There have been a few headlines now, I still get along very well with Helmut, and we are also in exchange on the subject.

"These are not yet so intense, and in-depth, but it may be something where I can play a role, but in what form, it will show. But I have to admit that I haven't been close to F1 in the last few years."

Vettell also conceded that the Austrian is still the right man for the role. He added: "I think Marko knows what he is doing, and no matter what happens, you can still learn a lot from him.

"Marko is not replaceable, and he has done a very large amount for the team since 2005, and it might not be the goal for someone to replace him. He is a brutal realist and can judge things quite well, and he will know when the time is right."

Vettel won 53 Grand Prix races across 16 seasons in F1. Since retiring, he's increased his campaigning for environmental and social justice issues, and has long called for the sport to align its schedule to reduce carbon emissions from travelling.