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Horner: Vettel at Mercedes 'would be great for all of us to see'

Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner would love to see Sebastian Vettel join Mercedes for 2021, although pairing the German with Lewis Hamilton would be "a lot to take on" for the Silver Arrows squad.

The recent announcement of Vettel and Ferrari parting ways at the end of the season has left the four-time world champion with few options moving forward.

But among Vettel's opportunities for 2021, Mercedes remains a potential destination as the German outfit has yet to confirm its line-up for next year.

Horner, who helped guide Vettel to his world title achievements at Red Bull, would welcome Vettel's move to the championship winning team, although he admits it is an unlikely prospect.

"He’s still in his early 30s, he’s still phenomenally quick and maybe Mercedes will fancy the headache of having him and Lewis together," said Horner, speaking to David Coulthard, on the latter's 'F1 Unscripted with Heineken' podcast.

"It would be great for all of us to see and witness, [as] from a team point of view that would be a lot to take on.

"He’s a great driver, I’m sure he’s given this a lot of thought and all we can do is wish him the best.

"I think Formula 1 will be worse off if he’s not there, but you have to respect his decision."

Horner believes that at just 32-years-old, Vettel could easily afford to spend a year on the sidelines before returning to the grid in 2022.

"What he’s achieved in his career is phenomenal so if he were to decide that there’s not a competitive drive available to him at the end of this year and he called it a day [he can],” said the Red bull chief.

"He could even take a year out if he wanted. He has a young family, he’s one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport."

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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.

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