Mateschitz: « Half of the grid ‘chases’ Vettel »

Half of the Formula 1 teams are reportedly interested in Sebastian Vettel’s services following his victory at the Italian Grand Prix last month.

In any case, that’s what Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz thinks, who will move the German driver from Scuderia Toro Rosso to the Red Bull Racing team next season.

Vettel became the youngest pole-sitter and Grand Prix winner in Formula 1 history at Monza. He is currently eighth in the championship and has enabled Toro Rosso to move ahead of Red Bull Racing in the constructors’ standings.

Mateschitz admitted that there was genuine interest surrounding Vettel and that Red Bull must produce a high-performance car capable of winning races in order to keep the 21-year-old for the long term.

« Half of the F1 grid is after him, » Mateschitz said to the Austrian newspaper Salzburger Nachrichten.

« But Sebastian doesn’t wish to leave Red Bull, nor do I for that matter. He is part of our family. »

« We would be disappointed if he decided to leave. However, he deserves to have one of the best cars in one of the best teams, so we are obliged to offer him the best at Red Bull Racing next season. »

Mateschitz added that he expected to see the RBR5 ready for the start of the season.