Dr. Helmut Marko has disclosed that Sebastian Vettel was keen on making a Formula 1 comeback with Red Bull for the 2025 season.

The four-time world champion has been hinting at a return to motorsport, appearing at occasional grands prix since his retirement two years ago and recently testing Porsche's new Le Mans-ready hypercar.

After meeting Vettel at Imola last week, ex-F1 driver Christian Danner felt that Vettel is aware his racing days might be behind him.

"Firstly, he probably noticed that he wasn't in great demand," he explained to motorsport-magazin.com, noting that Vettel's physical condition seems to have declined.

"He can train a lot," Danner added, "but I think reality is speaking clearly for Sebastian."

Although Red Bull has not yet confirmed Sergio Perez for next season, Marko, who introduced Vettel to Formula 1, indicated that Vettel has been in regular contact.

"He asked and called again and again," he mentioned, according to formel1.de.

"But with Max Verstappen as his teammate, I don't think it would be a pleasant time for him."

Marko also suggested that Vettel's future might lean towards endurance racing: "If I'm well informed, things are going more in the direction of Porsche and I think endurance racing is a good alternative for him."