Red Bull has revealed talks were held with Sebastian Vettel over a possible return to the team in 2021.
The Milton Keynes-based outfit was considering its options in 2020 as Alex Albon struggled to consistently match Max Verstappen.
At the time, Ferrari had confirmed Vettel would be departing to be replaced by Carlos Sainz, leading Red Bull to consider a potential reunion with the four-time world champion.
“We had a few exploratory talks,” team boss Horner told Channel 4. “But it would be a bit like going back to an old girlfriend, it would probably never be quite the same second time around.
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“What we achieved together was so remarkable. It was such a phenomenal thing and that will always be part of our history, and we’re tremendously proud to have had him as part of our team.”
In the end, Vettel opted to join Aston Martin with Sergio Perez taking the Red Bull seat.
Two years on, however, the 35-year-old announced his retirement from F1 at the end of this season prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix last weekend.
“I don’t think anybody did, I saw him as he left the paddock in Paul Ricard and it had been obviously a frustrating day for him,” Horner said on if he knew about Vettel retiring.
“But I think it’s the right decision for him, it’s not good seeing him run around in the midfield, I don’t think he’s getting any satisfaction from that, the time is right to draw the curtain on what has been an amazing career.”
Vettel will leave F1 with 53 wins to his name, 38 of which came with Red Bull between 2009 and 2013.
