Spielberg bei Knittelfeld (Austria) (AFP)

The Formula 1 teams Red Bull and Racing Point have closed the door to a recruitment next season of the German Sebastian Vettel, whose contract with Ferrari will not be renewed, on the sidelines of the GP of Styria on Friday.

"Of course, the question arose," acknowledged Sky Sports F1's British channel Christian Horner, the main team of Red Bull, the team with which Sebastian Vettel won four world titles from 2010 to 2013.

"We did not expect it to be on the market this year and our commitment goes to our current drivers," he continued. "We think we have an excellent duo in Max (Verstappen) and Alex (Albon ) and that we also have great potential there for the future. "

"Unfortunately, (recruiting Vettel) is not possible for us," said Horner.

The director of Racing Point (who will become Aston Martin in 2021), Otmar Szafnauer, for his part reiterated in a press conference having concluded "long-term" contracts with his drivers, the Mexican Sergio Pérez and the Canadian Lance Stroll, son of the team owner.

"So it would just make sense that we don't have a place," he said.

The future of Vettel is in suspense since the surprise announcement in mid-May of its separation from Ferrari next year.

The 33-year-old driver repeated on Thursday that he was not "in a hurry to decide" on his future, between a new contract "with a competitive team" only, "sabbatical" or "retirement".

Another door had closed for him the day before with the formalization of the recruitment by Renault of the double Spanish world champion Fernando Alonso, away from the F1 paddocks since the end of 2018.

Vettel had on this occasion confirmed to have had discussions "not very concrete" with Renault, which has never hidden his preference for Alonso. "It doesn't change much for me," said the German.

He also recognized that his response to a possible offer from Red Bull "would probably be yes", the team having a car capable of winning.

Second round of the championship, the GP of Styria will be held Sunday, a week after the inaugural event, the Austrian GP, ​​contested on the same circuit, the Red Bull Ring of Spielberg (center), and won by the Finn Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes).

Races are held until further notice in camera and follow a strict health protocol.

© 2020 AFP