F1 News: Sebastian Vettel Opens Up On F1 Return In 2025 - 'Depends On The Package'

Saajan Jogia | Apr 4, 2024

Oct 22, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team driver Sebastian / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Former F1 driver Sebastian Vettel, a four-time world champion, has suggested a potential comeback to the premier motorsport class in 2025 following discussions with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Vettel retired from the sport in 2022, which allowed Fernando Alonso to step into his seat.

Key Takeaways:

• Sebastian Vettel, a four-time F1 world champion, hints at a potential return to Formula 1 in 2025 after discussions with Mercedes' Toto Wolff.
• Reports of Vettel's comeback surface amidst anticipation of significant driver market changes with thirteen contracts expiring and Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari, leaving a seat open at Mercedes.
• Vettel explores various future possibilities, including a potential return to his former team or a seat alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, amidst ongoing discussions with Wolff and other parties.
  
  

Numerous accounts suggesting his comeback have surfaced recently, especially with anticipation of significant changes in the driver market by the end of the year, as thirteen driver contracts are set to expire. It's also worth noting Lewis Hamilton's switch to Ferrari after the current season, which will leave an open seat at Mercedes.

Although Vettel has been in discussions with Wolff, his future still holds various possibilities. Alonso's status with Aston Martin for next year remains uncertain, which could pave the way for Vettel to return to the team he retired from. Furthermore, the seat at Red Bull alongside reigning world champion Max Verstappen could be an option, given that Sergio Perez's contract is due to expire at the end of this year.

Oct 23, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team driver Sebastian / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking on his return to Formula 1, Vettel was asked by Sky Sports F1 if he would be tempted by a 2025 F1 seat. He said:

“Well, potentially I am because I haven't got a drive, but the question is, am I looking for one? I think it depends on the package.

"I retired from Formula 1 not to come back, but I also did say that you never know. So I think it still stands.

"Obviously, there's things that I miss, which is mostly the competition. And things that I don't miss, so that hasn't changed. Obviously, life is very different if you're not involved and I do enjoy that still.

"You never know where life is taking you, so maybe it takes me back behind the wheel, maybe it doesn’t.”

Oct 21, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team driver Sebastian / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking about his conversation with Wolff, Vettel added:

"I've had conversations with him, not really about the seat. We did speak about the whole situation in short as well.

"But I did speak to others as well because I'm still keeping in touch every now and then. I have some projects and ideas together with F1. We'll see if they will turn out or not.

"So I am staying in touch. I don't know. It has to be a couple more phone calls and conversations, I guess, to really find out a little bit more. But for sure it's one of the best seats on the grid.

"Performance wise, Mercedes has a great track record, struggling a little bit in the last years, but then struggle and you're still second and third in the constructors' [championship], it's not like you're racing in no man's land."