Last year, Sebastian Vettel reportedly expressed interest in making a return to Formula 1. After a final stint with Aston Martin, the German driver retired from the sport in 2022. He is said to have approached both Sauber and Red Bull, hinting at a possible comeback. However, both teams reportedly declined to offer him a contract.
The usually well-informed F1-Insider reports that Sebastian Vettel is considering a return. The four-time world champion is said to be ‘fit enough’ to compete with the world’s best drivers. Granted, at 37, he is considerably younger than Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso, for instance. However, the chances of seeing Vettel back in the premier class are slim. The German star reportedly approached both Sauber and Red Bull last year, but both teams turned him down.
‘Would Damage His Reputation’
Vettel is said to have spoken with Andreas Seidl, the then team boss of Sauber, early last year. However, with the impending takeover by Audi in 2026, the team was focused on attracting Carlos Sainz. The latter showed no interest and eventually committed to Williams. As a result, Sauber opted for Nico Hülkenberg, another experienced driver and a true German. The preference then shifted to Formula 2 driver Gabriel Bortoleto.
Red Bull is also said to have spoken with Sebastian Vettel at the time. As Sergio Pérez consistently paled in comparison to Max Verstappen, the team was clearly looking for a replacement. Vettel reportedly applied for a seat, but advisor Helmut Marko dissuaded him from making a comeback. “Sebastian (Vettel) would have liked to have driven alongside Max Verstappen,” he told F1-Insider. “But that would have been pointless. He would clearly be defeated, which would only damage his reputation. I couldn’t allow that.”
