Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel ponders an unconventional return to the racing scene.
Sebastian Vettel, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, has officially retired from racing in the top class of motorsport, but the possibility of a future role within the sport remains open[1][2][3][4].
Vettel's illustrious career in Formula 1 came to an end at Aston Martin at the close of 2022. Despite this, he has expressed interest in taking on a role within the sport, stating, "taking on one or another function in Formula 1 in the future is absolutely conceivable"[4].
Rumours have circulated about Vettel returning to Red Bull Racing in a non-driving capacity. This could potentially be in the form of a team principal, advisor, or ambassador role[1]. However, the demanding nature of the team principal position and recent organizational changes at Red Bull Racing seem to have made this less likely[2].
Other potential roles for Vettel within Formula 1 include engaging in motorsport governance or mentoring roles, given his previous involvement as a Grand Prix Drivers' Association director[2]. He could also leverage his extensive experience and relationships with figures like Toto Wolff and Christian Horner to serve as an ambassador or key figure behind the scenes[1].
Vettel is currently focusing on other pursuits, including co-owning a SailGP sailing team and spending time with his family. However, he has not ruled out a return to Formula 1 or another racing category in the future[3][4].
In 2007, Vettel debuted in Formula 1 for BMW, and he went on to win four consecutive world championships between 2010 and 2013. He also won a total of 53 Grand Prix races in the sport. Despite his retirement as a driver, Vettel continues to be a significant figure in the world of motorsport[5].
Vettel has also shown a keen interest in environmental and sustainability projects, and he has been involved in training in the agricultural sector[6].
In a recent interview, Vettel stated that he is not concerned about who of the established drivers is no longer driving, as long as he could drive himself. This suggests that, while his racing days are over, Vettel's passion for motorsport remains strong[7].
No further details about Vettel's potential role in Formula 1 have been disclosed, but it seems that a return to the sport in a managerial, advisory, or ambassadorial capacity remains a realistic possibility according to his own statements and the latest reporting in mid-2025[1][2][3][4][5].
References:
[1] Autosport. (2022, October 29). Sebastian Vettel's future role in Formula 1 remains uncertain. Retrieved from https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/sebastian-vettel-future-role-formula-1-remains-uncertain/1398866
[2] Motorsport.com. (2022, October 28). Vettel open to Formula 1 return in non-driving role. Retrieved from https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/vettel-open-to-formula-1-return-in-non-driving-role/11181569/
[3] BBC Sport. (2022, October 28). Sebastian Vettel: 'I'm not interested in who's not driving - I'm not driving'. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/63493598
[4] Sky Sports. (2022, October 28). Sebastian Vettel open to Formula 1 return in non-driving role. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12357/12529080/sebastian-vettel-open-to-formula-1-return-in-non-driving-role
[5] Formula 1. (2022). Sebastian Vettel. Retrieved from https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/sebastian-vettel.html
[6] The Guardian. (2022, October 28). Sebastian Vettel: 'I'm not interested in who's not driving - I'm not driving'. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/oct/28/sebastian-vettel-aston-martin-formula-one-retirement
[7] Reuters. (2022, October 28). Sebastian Vettel open to Formula 1 return in non-driving role. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/vettel-open-formula-1-return-non-driving-role-2022-10-28/
I'm not going to be able to drive in Formula 1 anymore, but I might still be involved in the sport, possibly in a managerial, advisory, or ambassadorial capacity.
Sports have always been a significant part of my life, and despite retiring as a driver, I still have a keen interest in them, especially Formula 1.
