Sebastian Vettel says he held preliminary talks with Renault about a drive for 2021, and admits that he would be open to a return to Red Bull in the future.
Vettel is currently facing a plush retirement at the end of his final campaign with Ferrari or a year on the sidelines to consider his options for 2022.
Renault announced yesterday that it had sealed a deal with Fernando Alonso for 2021, but Vettel said he held talks with the French outfit although they did not go beyond the initiatory stage.
"Yes I did, but obviously at no point concrete enough, or fundamental talks or real talks," Vettel said in Austria ahead of this weekend's Styrian GP.
"As you’ve seen as well, they’ve gone a different direction. It doesn’t change much for me.
"It really depends on my decision, which I’m not pressured to take in the next couple of days. I want to take the time that I need to decide.
"It’s not a secret that I am competitive. I have achieved so much in this sport, and I’m interested in achieving more, not just taking part.
"We’ll see what happens, and then take it from there."
Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko said that there was no opportunity for Vettel to join Red Bull in the future, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
But a sabbatical in 2021 could open up a door at Red Bull for 2022, and Vettel expressed a clear interest in returning to the team with which he won all four of his world titles.
"They are a very strong team, I know how strong they are from the past," Vettel said.
"I know why they were strong back then, and they are still a contender. It’s a car that you can win races in, so for sure that would be interesting."
As for the prospect of going up against the intrepid Max Verstappen at Red Bull, Vettel would welcome the challenge.
"I’m of the conviction that if you want to win you have to be happy to take on anyone so I don’t think it is question of your potential team mate no matter where you will find yourself," he said.
"I obviously again know the team very very well from my past, of course I’m still in contact with a lot of people there, whether it is Christian [Horner], Helmut or others."
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