According to some reports, the German driver could participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Sebastian Vettel was even said to be tempted to drive an F1 car again. The four-time world champion has been constantly asked by the media whether he wants to return, and he has not denied his return in any of these conversations. He even alluded to conversations he had with Toto Wolff.
As Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso redefine the length of their Formula 1 careers, it would not be surprising if Sebastian Vettel returned and performed at a high level.
How good was Vettel before he retired?
Sebastian suffered a heavy emotional toll when he left Ferrari in 2020. The German had a disastrous relationship with the team and appeared to have lost a lot of self-confidence. For most of his career at Aston Martin, he was a driver trying to regain lost confidence, but also trying to figure out if he wanted to race at all. In mid-2022, Sebastian Vettel decided he did not want to continue racing in Formula 1 and announced his retirement. Although his form was average, the German had some brilliant races that season.
His result at Imola in 2022 is the result of exceptionally brilliant talent. Likewise, a rain-drenched Japanese Grand Prix, or other races where he looked essentially a level above his team, was proof enough that a focused Sebastian Vettel could produce a good result even at Aston Martin. If Sebastian Vettel returns, is focused and is part of the right team, he can be expected to perform at a high level, just like Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton do.
Leaving the question of possibilities, let’s try to answer the question of whether there is a viable option for Vettel on the Formula 1 grid. Since Vettel will not want to return to a weak team, this narrows the situation. He could replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes and could fight for a seat at Red Bull and race alongside Max Verstappen (although a Sergio Perez replacement is unlikely to happen).
It is possible that Audi will try to bring him back to Formula 1. Vettel has already tested Porsche, and the Volkswagen Group is known for its collaboration between the two brands. If Vettel wants to return, it is possible that a seat will be open for him.
But should Vettel return? Sebastian Vettel was a ruthless competitor in his prime. He was a man who was hungry and unwilling to give in. The life of a Formula 1 driver is not easy and requires many sacrifices. Vettel has probably made these sacrifices more than anyone else, as he is still known for his ultra-professional work ethic. The Sebastian Vettel of 2024 is a different driver. It’s clear he’s not entirely sure if this is what he wants to do. He’ll explain how interested he is and how the fire still burns, but he’ll also quickly explain why he’s not sure he wants to come back. He mentioned that his family may not be happy about him competing in the 24-race championship and sacrificing time with his children.
If Sebastian Vettel comes back and he doesn’t have the same hunger or desire to make those tough decisions, then we won’t see his best. A fully focused Vettel is a potential title contender in the right car, but will he get it if he returns? Based on his interview, it seems like that won’t happen. If that’s the case, it would probably be best if Vettel didn’t come back and ruin the brilliant legacy he built in Formula 1.
Vyacheslav Gorbachev, Athletistic
Source: Sport

I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.