Sebastian Vettel consider returning to Formula 1 two years after retiring. The four-time world champion revealed conversations with Toto Wolffdirector of Mercedes, and heads of other teams. Vettel’s retirement came in 2022, at the age of 35, after 16 seasons in the sport.
The possible return gains strength because Mercedes has a vacancy for 2025, after confirmation that Lewis Hamilton is going to Ferrari. Red Bull sees the end of Sergio Perez’s contract in the current season and may not renew with the Mexican, which would open up a place in the team with which Vettel won the four world titles.
“Potentially I am (in the market) because I don’t have a car, but the question is am I looking for one. I retired so I wouldn’t come back, but I also said you never know. I had conversations with him (Wolff), not exactly about a vacancy. But I also spoke to other people because I stay in touch. I have some projects and ideas with Formula 1,” the driver told the British channel Sky Sports News.
“In terms of performance, Mercedes has a great track record, struggling a bit in recent years, but then they struggle and you’re still second and third in the constructors’ (championship), it’s not like you’re racing in no man’s land.” , assessed Vettel about the team.
If Vettel returns to the sport, he would be 37 years old next season. There would still be veterans older than him on the grid, such as Hamilton, aged 39, and Fernando Alonso, aged 42. He even competed with both of them during his career. The Spaniard was runner-up in the world champion in three of the German’s four titles (2010, 2012 and 2013).
Two seasons after the last title, Vettel went to Ferrari. Now, he is surprised by Hamilton’s transfer to the Italian team. “I was surprised, as I think most of us were. But exciting. Obviously he is looking for a new challenge and it will be different to see him in red, in a different color,” he commented. Charles Leclerc, who will be the Briton’s teammate at Ferrari, has already won praise from Vettel.
Formula 1 continues this week with the Japanese GP. Qualifying will take place at 3am (Brasília time) on Saturday morning. The race takes place in the early hours of Sunday, at 2am. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen leads the championship with 51 points, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclec with 47. Behind them are Sergio Perez (Red Bulll, with 46 points), Carlos Sainz (Ferrari, 40) and Oscar Piastri (McLaren , 28).
