Since Sebastian Vettel competed in his last Formula 1 race in 2022, there have been repeated rumors about a possible comeback by the four-time world champion. However, an old companion of Vettel sees no signs of this.
Most recently, Vettel was linked with a cockpit at Audi, which will compete for the first time as a works team in the premier class of motorsport in 2026. Former world champion Nico Rosberg was one of those who spoke out in favor of a sensational comeback.
Audi – still operating as the Sauber team – has still not decided who will drive alongside Nico Hülkenberg next year. Candidates include current Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas, Sauber junior Theo Pourchaire, Mick Schumacher – and Vettel?
Sauber CEO Mattia Binotto – who worked with Vettel at Ferrari for years – avoided the question of whether the superstar would return on the sidelines of the Italian GP, but explicitly praised the German’s character. “Vettel? If you know him, you appreciate his greatness as a person even more than as a driver,” said the Italian.
Formula 1: Sebastian Vettel “enjoys his life”
One person who doesn’t see Vettel back in a Formula 1 car is Adrian Newey.
“Sebastian called the other day. He’s currently driving through Norway in his camper van,” Newey revealed on the “High Performance” podcast. When asked about the comeback rumors, Newey replied: “I can’t imagine that. He’s enjoying his life. He’s moved on and is doing different things. Good for him.”
Newey and Vettel once worked together successfully at Red Bull. In the cars designed by the design guru, the now 37-year-old won four world championship titles in a row from 2021 to 2013.
Vettel himself has deliberately not ruled out a return to Formula 1 several times since his departure. “It depends on the package,” he told Sky Sports in April: “I didn’t resign from Formula 1 to come back, but I also said: you never know.”
Source: www.sport.de
