Marko: Vettel next to Max in a Red Bull? I didn't want to put him through that

This of course prompted speculation that the German was looking to make a comeback. But neither team appears to have been interested in Vettel's overtures, so claims Red Bull consultant Marko in an explanatory interview with Auto Bild this week.

Marko explained the context of his comments to their reporters: "It's no longer a secret that Sebastian asked one or two top teams about the free cockpits. About Audi, however, I generally spoke about the positive effect a German driver would have on the project. I also mentioned Mick Schumacher, but his name was apparently forgotten in the report."

The Red Bull man, mentor to Vettel during his rise from Toro Rosso to a four-time F1 World Champion with the team, elaborated on a possible return: "Sebastian has been gone for two years. Hülkenberg has also been gone for longer, but he is not a four-time world champion, so he has more motivation.

"And to be honest: Sebastian next to Max in the Red Bull? I didn't want to put him through that," admitted Marko, of teaming Vettel up with Verstappen at this stage of their respective careers.

Regarding Audi, Vettel moving there is hardly likely to happen with Mattia Binotto taking over from Andreas Seidl unexpectedly. Worth noting, the Italian, former Ferrari F1 team principal was the one who sacked Vettel in the first place.

But then there is also Jonathan Wheatley, Seb's former teammate at Red Bull who is also on board with what is still known as Sauber. And since it's Formula 1, anything can happen and often does.

For this author, it was sad to see Vettel performing as the Chief Bee-Keeper at Suzuka, especially having witnessed him win the Grand Prix there four times. But at 37 years of age and a father of three, he has appeared at peace with his decision to quit, especially considering there are still older drivers on the grid.

Namely, Fernando Alonso (42) and Lewis Hamilton (39). Nico Hülkenberg is a year younger and has signed a multi-year deal with Audi.

Vettel said at Imola earlier this year: "Of course, there are a lot of things that I miss and it was a difficult decision. But I'm happy with it. I don't wake up in the morning and miss those moments on the podium when people call your name. I think I'm realistic about my life and I'm trying to take on new challenges."

Returning to Marko and the driver advice he is offering rivals for free, he also put in a good word for Mick Schumacher: "Mick is one of the most polite and nicest people in the entire paddock, which is more of a disadvantage for him.

"He also has the liability of a big name. But he has already delivered in sporting terms. He won the Formula 3 championship and the Formula 2 championship; that alone made him interesting for Formula 1 teams," added Marko.

Mick Schumacher did race two seasons in F1 with Haas. He made 43 starts before being ousted (aka bullied as seen on Netflix's Drive to Survive) from the team by an ineffective team boss at the time, Guenther Steiner.