Sebastian Vettel may potentially return to racing through Porsche’s endurance team. The German automotive giant views the former Formula 1 driver as one of the options for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Porsche Penske Motorsport still has one seat available for the legendary long-distance race. Vettel previously tested the 963 vehicle on the Aragón circuit in Spain.
Next year, Porsche will participate in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans with three cars. The team has reduced the number of factory drivers from ten to eight, leaving one seat to be filled in the third car. Drivers Nick Tandy and Felipe Nasr are already confirmed. The question is whether Porsche can secure four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel. The German has never ruled out a return to motorsport, although he seemed to enjoy his retirement over the past two years.
Urs Kuratle, factory director of Porsche LMDH, admits that there is mutual interest. “We are short of one driver, that’s correct,” he confirmed to sportscar365.com. “Of course, it was a well-considered decision. We are now evaluating who our ninth driver will be, although we don’t have a name yet. Nothing is set in stone, but we clearly have it in mind.
‘We Are in Discussion’
When asked, Kuratle did not rule out a collaboration with Sebastian Vettel. “Sebastian and Porsche have a friendly relationship,” he explained. “We are in discussion with each other. I can’t rule out that he will drive for us next year, but nothing is confirmed yet.” Vettel last competed in the Formula 1 season of 2022. Since then, he has primarily used his platform to raise awareness about environmental issues. He was also present at the São Paulo Grand Prix, this time with a mega helmet made from recycled plastic.
In March, Sebastian Vettel was already found at the headquarters of Porsche Penske Motorsport. There, he had a seat fitted and spent several hours in the simulator. Shortly thereafter, he actually got behind the wheel of the Porsche 963 for an intensive test at MotorLand Aragón in Spain. It was the first time he drove such a car, but that seemed to be no problem for the former champion. In total, he covered an impressive 581 kilometers.
