Mercedes Makes Play for Vettel as Red Bull Faces Uncertainty
Red Bull's Helmut Marko acknowledges Mercedes' interest in Sebastian Vettel, with Niki Lauda leading efforts to lure the triple world champion away from Milton Keynes.
Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda has confirmed he is trying to persuade Sebastian Vettel to leave Red Bull and join the Mercedes Formula One team. Lauda, who took over efforts begun by former Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug, told Germany’s Bild am Sonntag that he is personally engaged in talks with the triple world champion.
Red Bull’s F1 consultant Helmut Marko responded to the news by saying he has no issue with Lauda’s approach, admitting it is natural for Mercedes to try to sign a driver of Vettel’s calibre. Marko’s comments come at a time when Red Bull is facing uncertainty over its driver line-up for the coming seasons.
Red Bull weighs its options as Webber’s future hangs in balance
Vettel’s current teammate, Mark Webber, has not confirmed his plans beyond the end of the season. Persistent rumours suggest Webber could leave Red Bull, opening the door for a new signing. Technical pundits and former drivers have pointed to Kimi Raikkonen as a strong candidate to replace Webber should the Australian depart. Raikkonen, who won the world championship in 2007, is out of contract at Lotus at the end of the year and has publicly stated he will consider his options.
Gary Anderson, speaking to the BBC, said Red Bull must prepare for the possibility of Vettel receiving a major offer from Ferrari and leaving the team. In that scenario, Anderson believes Raikkonen would be a logical replacement. David Coulthard, who previously drove for Red Bull, also suggested that Lotus may struggle to retain Raikkonen if Red Bull makes a serious approach.
Driver market pressure mounts as 2013 season unfolds
Vettel’s dominance in the early part of the 2013 season has increased speculation about driver moves for 2014. Raikkonen, considered one of Vettel’s main rivals for the title, is playing down the likelihood of catching the Red Bull driver unless results improve. The uncertainty over both Vettel’s and Webber’s futures is putting pressure on Red Bull to secure a competitive line-up for next year.
Mercedes, meanwhile, continues with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, but Lauda’s overtures to Vettel show the team is not content to stand still. As the driver market heats up, Red Bull must weigh its options carefully to avoid being caught short if either of its current drivers departs. For more on the contractual situation surrounding Vettel, seeMarko Insists Vettel's 2014 Red Bull Deal Has No Exit Clause.
