Red Bull Racing has long been known for its aggressive driver development program, often bringing in young talent and swiftly replacing them if results do not meet expectations. However, there have been times when the team has considered bringing back former drivers. One such instance came in 2018, when Christian Horner and Helmut Marko were looking to fill a vacancy in the Red Bull ranks and turned to a familiar name – Sebastien Buemi.
Buemi, who previously drove for Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls) between 2009 and 2011, had the opportunity to make a comeback. However, despite Red Bull’s interest, he turned down the offer.
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By the end of 2024, Red Bull found itself in yet another dilemma regarding its driver lineup for both the main Red Bull Racing team and its junior outfit, the Racing Bulls. However, this was not the first time the team had faced such a challenge. In 2018, Red Bull and Marko explored the possibility of bringing back a driver who had been part of their program before. The assumption that every driver would jump at such an opportunity proved to be incorrect.
The driver in question was Sébastien Buemi, a Swiss racer who had initially joined Red Bull’s ranks as a test driver in 2008 before earning a race seat with Toro Rosso.
Although his time in F1 did not lead to a long-term future at the top level, Buemi went on to build an impressive career elsewhere in motorsport.
Buemi’s success outside Formula 1
After his Toro Rosso stint ended in 2011, Buemi shifted his focus to endurance racing and Formula E. His career flourished as he became a four-time World Endurance Champion (WEC) and four-time winner of the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. He also secured a Formula E title, proving his versatility as a driver.
Despite his success outside of F1, Buemi was never bitter about leaving Red Bull’s F1 set-up. In an interview with Formel1.de, he expressed his gratitude to the team and Helmut Marko for the opportunities they gave him early in his career.
“I think Red Bull and Dr Helmut Marko have done a lot for me. I am very grateful to them. Of course, I couldn’t really force the breakthrough. I would have loved to drive the Red Bull car. It wasn’t my decision that it didn’t happen. I have to come to terms with that. After that, I concentrated on Toyota and the WEC again. It wasn’t easy, but in motorsport you also need a bit of luck.
Buemi acknowledged that luck plays a significant role in a driver’s career path. He believes he has found his fortune elsewhere.
“I was very lucky in the WEC and Formula E. I won both championships. I was fast, but you also have to end up with the right team at the right time. It didn’t work out in Formula 1.
Red Bull’s attempt to bring Buemi back
Buemi had long been a respected figure in Red Bull’s extended racing family, continuing to serve as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing even after his time in Formula 1 had ended. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that Horner and Marko seriously considered reintegrating him into their F1 programme.
“It’s a remarkable revelation that Buemi makes,” the report reads. “I had a conversation with Christian Horner and Dr Marko in 2017 or 2018. I think it was 2018. There was little point in me coming back.”
Buemi explained that he was already committed to Toyota’s WEC programme and had secured a strong position in Formula E. With stable contracts in place, returning to Formula 1 as a Toro Rosso driver did not seem like the right move for his career.
“I had good contracts in Formula E and with Toyota in the WEC. It was clear where my future lay. I think I would have got the chance to drive for Toro Rosso again. As I said, it made little sense. It was better for me to continue on the path I was on than to return to F1.
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A legacy beyond F1
Buemi’s decision to turn down Red Bull’s offer was a rare example of a driver prioritizing stability and success outside of Formula 1 over a potential return to the grid. While many drivers spend years trying to break into F1, Buemi recognised that he had built a successful career elsewhere and chose to stick with what was working for him.
To this day, Buemi continues to compete in both the WEC and Formula E, cementing his status as one of the most successful Swiss drivers in motorsport history. Switzerland has not been a major force in Formula 1, but Buemi remains optimistic about the future.
“There are a lot of good Swiss drivers, but we are a small country. There are only a few places in Formula 1. You need a bit of luck and help. I am sure we will see a Swiss in F1 again in the future.
Although his F1 career has not reached the heights he had initially hoped for, Buemi has proved that success in motorsport is not confined to the pinnacle of single-seater racing. His decision to turn down Red Bull’s offer for 2018 only reaffirmed his confidence in his chosen path, and history has shown that it was the right one.
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