Dark
Light
Dark
Light
Sebastian Vettel Concedes No F1 Return Likely

Vettel Faces Reality: F1 Comeback Unlikely

23/05/2024

Sebastian Vettel seems to accept that a return to Formula 1 is unlikely. The four-time world champion reflects on his future in motorsport after recent events.

Sebastian Vettel seems to have come to terms with the likelihood that he won’t be returning to Formula 1.

At first glance, the four-time world champion hasn’t completely shut the door.

He took his 1993 McLaren to Imola last weekend, paying elaborate tribute to Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger. He then told the media, “Of course, I thought about coming back, and I knew in advance that I would think about it. I don’t rule anything out. But in the end, nothing has changed.”

The 36-year-old German extensively tested a Porsche hypercar in late March, and it appears the only reason he won’t be racing at Le Mans next month is that the brand wanted more experienced endurance drivers.

Former F1 driver Christian Danner noted that he felt Vettel had accepted he wouldn’t be returning to Formula 1.

“Firstly, he has probably noticed that he isn’t in high demand. Secondly, I think he has realised what it would entail: the energy required and the training necessary to achieve it.”

Indeed, Danner said he suspected Vettel had completely stopped all personal race-related training.

“When I saw him standing there (at Imola) and shook his hand, I thought he looked a bit pale and lacking in muscle mass. He has lost a lot of strength in his neck. He wasn’t as lively and effervescent as we have seen before. I even hope he’s alright.”

“He can train a lot, but I think reality speaks clearly against a Sebastian comeback.”

“I hope he regains that hard-to-recapture sense of well-being when you’re no longer behind the wheel. That incredible feeling you get when driving a Formula 1 car.”

“I cross my fingers for him, whatever he does, whether it’s in motorsport or something else.”

Sebastian Vettel Concedes: No F1 Return Likely. Sebastian Vettel Concedes: No F1 Return Likely

Go toTop