While Sebastian Vettel isn’t actively planning a return to F1 at the moment, he remains physically prepared and doesn’t rule out the possibility of a comeback. Following a lackluster final season with Ferrari in 2020, the four-time World Champion moved to Aston Martin for his last two Formula 1 seasons. Discover ‘Race fit’ Sebastian Vettel drops huge update on F1 return prospect.
Vettel has kept himself engaged in racing through events like the 2023 Race of Champions and demonstration runs. In a recent interview with Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle, he expressed that he still feels fit for competitive racing, clarifying that he isn’t staying in race shape with a specific return in mind.
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When asked about staying race fit, Vettel responded positively, saying, “Yeah, but because I want to, not because I’m like, [going to] come back or if somebody falls out I’m going to, not because of that. I guess my neck is not up to speed, it can’t be, but everything else is pretty good I would say.”
Brundle mentioned the history of F1 drivers who retired and then made comebacks, citing names like Alain Prost, Niki Lauda, Nigel Mansell, Fernando Alonso, and Kimi Raikkonen. Vettel acknowledged that he can’t definitively say no to a return, given the uncertainty of the future.
Sebastian Vettel’s Conditions for a Potential Return to F1
Vettel explained that any potential return would depend on the challenge offered and whether it would motivate him enough to come out of retirement. He is aware that, at 36 years old, he doesn’t have an unlimited amount of time if he were to consider a comeback.
While drivers like Lewis Hamilton (38) and Fernando Alonso (42) have shown that age isn’t a barrier, Vettel emphasized that he’s not actively thinking about a return at the moment. Instead, he’s enjoying contemplating the challenges that lie ahead.
Singapore is the next destination on the F1 2023 calendar, with drivers set to tackle a revised Marina Bay Street Circuit layout during the upcoming race weekend.
