Marko only sees two options for Vettel in the future

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Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko says that after speaking to Sebastian Vettel, the Austrian sees only two options for his former driver for 2021: retirement or a move to Mercedes.

Last week's news of Vettel's split with Ferrari at the of this year has encouraged pundits to predict the four-time world champion's next career move.

While a slot at Renault has opened up following Daniel Ricciardo's transfer to McLaren, few believe Vettel would accept a mid-field ride just to remain on the grid.

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Red Bull Racing, the team for which Vettel won all four of his world titles, has dismissed pairing the German with fellow "alpha male" Max Verstappen.

However, a seat at Mercedes could certainly entice the 32-year-old, even if it's one positioned alongside Lewis Hamilton.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has acknowledged Vettel's availability, but also made clear that the priority for 2021 will go to the team's incumbents and its protégé George Russell.

"I talked to Seb and of course we went through the variations and possibilities at Red Bull," Marko told Sky Sports in Germany.

"Those unfortunately don’t exist and I think the understanding was Seb would continue if he gets into a winning team and that would be Mercedes in this case."

But Marko suggests that a plush retirement is most likely on the cards for Vettel.

"He is a four-time World Champion who has achieved a lot in this sport and who is in a good financial position before he takes on any midfield team.

"I would also say that it would suit Seb’s character, his style, to stop.

"It would be a shame for the sport but for the person Sebastian Vettel, it would be the best solution if no winning team is available."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.