Formula One driver, Sebastian Vettel, is calling it a career.
Sebastian Vettel, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, retired from the racing circuit at the end of 2022, marking an end to a career that spanned over 15 years and 53 Grand Prix victories. Since then, the German racer has been actively involved in environmental and sustainability projects, as well as pursuing an agriculture degree[1].
Despite his retirement, there has been persistent speculation about Vettel's potential return to Formula 1, this time in a non-driving capacity. Red Bull's motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, has been touted as a possible successor, with Vettel himself confirming that he has been in contact with Marko regarding this idea[2]. However, the discussions are described as preliminary, with no concrete plans in sight[2].
Max Verstappen, Red Bull's current star driver, has publicly expressed his support for Vettel's potential return, stating that "there's always a spot" for him at Red Bull, given their shared history and mutual respect[3].
Away from Formula 1, Vettel is also exploring opportunities in endurance racing, such as the World Endurance Championship or the 24 Hours of Le Mans[1][4]. Although talks with these series have not yet materialized into a deal, Vettel has expressed genuine interest and stated he is open to pursuing these avenues[1][4].
Here is a summary of the roles Vettel is considering:
| Role Considered | Status | Vettel's Comments | |-------------------------------|-------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | F1 Driver | Not returning | No intention[1] | | Red Bull Advisor (Marko role) | Preliminary, non-urgent talks | Early discussions, timing uncertain[2][5] | | Endurance Racing (LM, WEC) | Open to options, talks ongoing | Enthusiastic but deal not done[1][4] |
Vettel won four Formula 1 world championships with Red Bull in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, but was unable to replicate his successes at Ferrari and his last station, Aston Martin. His statement about leaving Formula 1 is not a vote against the old drivers, but for the young ones, as he wants to leave the racing circuit to the next generation[6].
Vettel, who has three children with his wife Hanna, has confirmed that he cannot imagine a return to Formula 1 as a driver[7]. The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Sebastian Vettel is not done making headlines.
[1] BBC, "Sebastian Vettel: Retiring from F1 to focus on 'climate, agriculture and family'," 2022. [2] Autosport, "Vettel in talks with Red Bull over advisory role," 2022. [3] Motorsport.com, "Verstappen backs Vettel for Red Bull advisory role," 2022. [4] Motorsport.com, "Vettel open to Le Mans or WEC drive," 2022. [5] Formula1.com, "Vettel: Red Bull talks are 'early discussions'," 2022. [6] Autosport, "Vettel: 'I want to leave F1 to the younger generation'," 2022. [7] Motorsport.com, "Vettel rules out F1 return as driver," 2022.
- Sebastian Vettel's retirement from Formula 1 in 2022 has not diminished the interest in his return, as Red Bull's motorsport advisor role has been proposed for him.
- Although the talks between Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull are preliminary and no concrete plans have been made, Vettel himself has confirmed that he has been in contact about the potential position.
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull's current star driver, expressed his support for Vettel's potential return to the team in a non-driving capacity.
- Beyond Formula 1, Sebastian Vettel has expressed interest in pursuing opportunities in endurance racing, such as the World Endurance Championship or the 24 Hours of Le Mans, despite no deals having been finalized as of now.
