Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed he told Sebastian Vettel to take a year off from Formula 1 in 2021.
Back in May, it was announced the four-time world champion would not be getting a new contract at Ferrari and has, instead, been replaced by Carlos Sainz for next season.
Since then, the relationship between Vettel and the Scuderia hasn’t appeared all that great, with Sebastian languishing down in 13th in the Drivers’ Championship with just 17 points in 11 races.
Though Marko doesn’t appear all that surprised that he will seemingly leave after six years on a sour note.
“Ferrari’s farewell is undignified, but that seems to be part of Formula 1,” he told Germany’s Sport1.
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The Red Bull chief then confirmed Vettel enquired about a return to the team, where he enjoyed the bulk of his success between 2009-2013.
However, Marko informed him there was no opportunity.
“I then advised him to take a year’s break,” Marko continued.
“In that case, he would have been able to recharge fully in the meantime, and then return with new impetus and focus on the opportunities that 2022 can offer.
“I think that towards 2022 some seats could have become available for him.”
Instead, Vettel has decided to join the current Racing Point team for next season as it begins a new era under the Aston Martin name.
“He wanted to stay in the picture and thinks he has a good chance at Aston Martin of making the podium,” Marko said.
“In my view, that is quite real. Can he win? I doubt that based on that car, but I hope that this new direction will work well for him.”
Commenting at last week’s Goodwood Speedweek, three-time world champion Sir Jackie Stewart had another view.
“Sebastian Vettel is a really nice gentleman, he’s had a wonderful career, and I personally would love to see him retire and do what I do, go to some of the best events, get involved with some of the best multinational corporations,” he explained.
“He’d be a great ambassador for the sport apart from anything else, but if he wants to continue racing it will be because he loves the sport,” Stewart concluded.