Four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel is contemplating a potential full-time return to racing in 2024. Vettel’s return could take place in the 2024 World Endurance Championship (WEC), where he might share a car with former F1 rivals Jenson Button and Robert Kubica. Discover Sebastian Vettel Considering 2024 Racing Return With Ex-F1 Superteam.
Reports from German magazine Auto Motor und Sport suggest that Vettel has engaged in discussions with the customer Porsche team Jota about joining their lineup for the 2024 season. Jota plans to run an all-star lineup next season, including Vettel, in one of their Porsche 963s.
After retiring from Formula 1 last year, Vettel wasn’t in a hurry to secure a post-F1 racing program. He satisfied his racing itch with occasional runs in his classic F1 cars, such as his appearance at Goodwood. However, a full return to racing with a serious program would represent a significant decision for Vettel.
Respected F1 journalist Michael Schmidt, who has a close relationship with Vettel, asked him about this matter at Suzuka. Vettel stated, “Nothing has been signed or decided yet, but I have the matter in the back of my mind. I still have time to decide. If at some point I come to the conclusion that it doesn’t work without racing, then I will drive again.”
Vettel’s appearance at Suzuka was for the launch of a biodiversity initiative, where he unveiled the renamed ‘BUZZIN’ CORNER’ at Turn 2 of the famous track. He installed 11 “insect hotels” behind the inside barrier at the corner, with the support of the entire F1 grid and various senior personnel.
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Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel Eyeing Hypercar Programs
Robert Kubica, currently leading the LMP2 category with Team WRT, might join Vettel in the WEC. Kubica has held discussions with Jota, as he’s yet to secure a Hypercar drive for next season. Jota is considering potential testers before the WEC Bahrain finale in early November.
Former F1 champion Jenson Button is also pursuing a Hypercar program for the next season. Both Vettel and Button have engaged in discussions with the Jota team, which runs a Porsche in the Hypercar category this season. While Button has endurance racing experience from the LMP1 era, Vettel’s potential return adds intrigue to the WEC.
Other Formula 1 drivers, including reserve drivers Mick Schumacher and Felipe Drugovich, have also spoken to WEC teams in recent months. Schumacher held talks with the Alpine squad, set to debut two A424 Hypercars next season, while Drugovich has explored potential programs with various teams throughout 2023.
Jota entered the Hypercar category earlier this year, capturing Hertz as a prominent partner for the move. They are also participating in the final LMP2 season. Their lineup this season includes Porsche factory drivers Antonio Felix da Costa and Yifei Ye, along with former Manor F1 driver Will Stevens.
