Red Bull Owner Admits Vettel Wants to Drive for Ferrari

Sebastian Vettel needs to make up his mind about his future in Formula One. Usually drivers have managers to think about that, but, since the German driver seems to believe he's better off, his latest statements and actions seem to talk different languages.

No sooner than last week, the 23-year old ace told the media that the thought of driving for Ferrari and McLaren Mercedes doesn't appeal to him that much. Yet both Red Bull's team owner Dietrich Mateschitz and his right hand in motorsport activities Helmut Marko admitted to the media that Vettel wants to drive for Ferrari some day.

“Seb wants to drive for Ferrari some day. We will make it as difficult a decision for him as possible,” said Mateschitz, while Marko stressed the importance of Vettel having a team he could count on in difficult times.

“We all know the political sensitivities at Ferrari. And he (Vettel) has seen with us that he has a comfort factor,” said the Austrian adviser, hinting that Ferrari would not fancy a tough Fernando Alonso vs Sebastian Vettel relationship within the Scuderia garage.

“He needs a team that doesn't throw a knife in your back at the sign of trouble,” he added.

Vettel's deal with Red Bull Racing extends towards the 2011 season, while the Austrian team holds a one-year option for their young world champion. However, Marko admitted Red Bull will try to secure Vettel's stay at Milton Keynes for at least a few more years, while realizing that a longer contract would only depend on a championship-winning car.

“Let's be clear: there is not going to be a ten-year contract, because we are not able to guarantee we will have a competitive car for that long. And Sebastian cannot guarantee that he will always be comfortable with us. But in the medium term, the next three or four years, we are firmly planning to be with him,” said Marko.