Horner rules out Vettel at Red Bull in 2021

The saga surrounding the future of Sebastian Vettel en Formula 1 has just experienced a new development with the comments made by his former boss at Red Bull, Christian Horner, this Friday morning during Free Practice 1 of the Styrian Grand Prix. 

The day before, the German had suggested that he would be likely to respond affirmatively to a contract proposal from the Austrian clan for the 2021 season. Such a scenario will not happen if we are to believe Horner. 

“The subject was raised and we had a very beautiful story with Seb, confided the main team from Milton Keynes (United Kingdom) to the microphone of Sky Sports F1. He will always retain a special place in the history of our team and we did not expect him to find himself on the transfer market.

We have a commitment to our current drivers, we are convinced that we have a great duo with Max (Verstappen) and Alex (Albon). Unfortunately we are unable to arrange this (a return of Vettel to Red Bull) ». 

Asked whether the decision was irrevocable, Horner clarified that it was a “Not definitive. And Seb knows about it.” 

For the four-time world champion (2010-13), the options are narrowing on the 2021 grid. 

Mercedes has certainly not yet confirmed the identity of its drivers beyond the current season, but the CEO of the Daimler group, Ola Källenius, declared last week from Spielberg that the priority of the German manufacturer was to extend the current holders Lewis Hamilton et Valtteri Bottas. 

There then remains the Racing Point option, which will become Aston Martin next year. Sergio Pérez is linked to the Silverstone team until 2022, while Lance stroll, son of businessman Lawrence Stroll who manages the pink team, has a long-term contract. 

However, the 21-year-old Canadian has not yet been officially confirmed for next season, contrary to what quotes attributed to Racing Point CEO Otmar Szafnauer earlier in the year may have suggested.