Why Verstappen prevented Vettel's return to Red Bull Racing

There has been a lot of talk recently about a possible comeback for Sebastian Vettel in Formula 1. The four-time world champion has been linked to Audi's team. For now, Nico Hulkenberg is the only driver there under contract beyond 2024. And so a spot is vacant, perhaps for Vettel. Helmut Marko would not have wanted to put the Dutchman next to Max Verstappen not to "affect" him.

"It is no longer a secret that Sebastian inquired about vacancies at one of the top teams. However, with regard to Audi, I basically talked about the positive effect of a German driver and also referred to Mick Schumacher. However, this name was apparently forgotten in the report," the Red Bull adviser told OE24.

Sergio Perez is still under contract at Red Bull beyond 2024. Marko did not want Vettel to become Verstappen's teammate. "Sebastian has been gone for two years. Hulkenberg has also been gone longer, but he is not a four-time world champion, so he is even hungrier. And to be honest: Sebastian next to Max in the Red Bull? I didn't want to do that to him," the Austrian said.

Mercedes, Visa Cash App RB, Audi and Alpine still do not have two drivers under contract for the 2025 Formula 1 season. So a comeback in Formula One could theoretically be possible. The German driver is 37 years old, which still makes him six years younger than Fernando Alonso, who currently drives for Aston Martin.