Marko on Vettel F1 return: “He wants it when…”. As the Formula 1 circus whirls with the excitement of races and new developments, a whisper from the past echoes through the paddocks: Sebastian Vettel, a name synonymous with determination and skill, may be returning to the high-speed pursuit of F1 glory.
Having retired from the sport at the end of 2022 to focus on his personal and family life, the retired champion is rumoured to be considering a comeback if the right opportunity arises.
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The spark that never faded
Sebastian Vettel, a formidable name in the world of Formula One, leaves the sport in 2022 amidst an emotional farewell. Known for his sharp mind and relentless drive, Vettel’s departure was deeply felt by both fans and colleagues. But despite his retirement from the racing front line, the lure of F1 continues to beckon.
Vettel’s possible return comes at a time when the F1 grid is set for significant changes, with more than half the seats up for grabs next year. For Vettel, should the right circumstances arise, this reshuffle offers a unique opportunity to re-enter the sport. He has made it a condition of his comeback that a competitive place is available, underlining his desire to be in the mix for podiums and victories, not just to make the numbers.
“The better the car, the better the team, the more exciting it is to have a chance to succeed,” Sebastian Vettel told Radio X in the UK.
“I follow the sport, I see what’s going on and that [a return] can be attractive and interesting, but it will depend on the whole package because it’s also a big commitment, with all the other things going on outside of the driving activity.”
“To think about it seriously, it would depend a lot on the package. Age-wise, I feel pretty damn young with all the guys still riding and signing big contracts, who have been around for a long time – I think I could be another ten years in this sport! So I’m ahead of them in terms of keeping fit.”
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Discussions with Mercedes confirmed
Sebastian Vettel recently admitted that he has had discussions with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, but the German insisted that these were not about a seat, despite Lewis Hamilton leaving the German outfit at the end of this year and a seat available for 2025.
“I had discussions with him, but not really about a seat. We talked about the situation in general,” Vettel told Sky Sports.
“But I’ve also spoken to other [teams], because I keep in touch from time to time. I have a few projects and ideas with F1. We’ll see whether they materialise or not.”
“So I stay in touch, but I don’t know. It will take a few more phone calls and conversations, I suppose, to find out a bit more. But for sure [at Mercedes] is one of the best packages on the grid.”
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Marko: “He wants it when he gets a top car”
Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing’s motorsport consultant and a close associate of Vettel’s from his golden years at Red Bull, recently stirred the pot of speculation.
Speaking to Sky, Marko hinted at Vettel’s continued passion for racing, suggesting that the fire within the four-time world champion remains undimmed. Indeed the Austrian confirmed that Vettel fully intends to return to Formula 1.
“I think he wants to, if he sees the chance to get a top car somewhere,” Marko commented, suggesting that Vettel’s return depends on securing a competitive ride.
“Then he’s ready for it.” says the Austrian.
The reality of racing
Despite the excitement surrounding Vettel’s potential return, practical considerations cloud the horizon. Vettel has been out of the sport for over a year, a significant gap in a rapidly evolving field. Moreover, the scarcity of top seats adds another layer of complexity to his potential comeback.
Red Bull Racing, the team with which Vettel won his four world titles between 2010 and 2013, is currently a closed door. The team’s line-up is solid, with Max Verstappen and the proven Sergio Pérez expected to continue their partnership until 2025.
Marko reiterated this stance in a recent interview with oe24, firmly rejecting the idea of Vettel returning to Red Bull:
“What? Vettel should come to us? No, that’s not an option…”
Other top teams face similar challenges. Mercedes are expected to have a vacancy in 2025 when Lewis Hamilton moves to Ferrari. However, media reports suggest that Vettel is not being considered.
Similarly, McLaren and Ferrari, two other giants of the grid, have long-term plans that do not include the German driver.
The wider implications of a comeback
The idea of Vettel’s return isn’t just about an individual’s unfinished business or a personal challenge; it’s about the impact on the sport itself. A driver of Vettel’s calibre brings not only skill but a wealth of experience and a huge fan base. His potential return could shake up the team dynamic, influence car development and increase spectator engagement.
In addition, Vettel’s well-known commitment to environmental and social issues adds an extra layer of interest. His advocacy for sustainability and diversity in F1 has sparked important conversations within the community, in line with the sport’s increasing focus on these critical global issues.
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What lies ahead?
The road back to F1 is full of challenges for Vettel. The evolving landscape of the sport, the physical demands of racing and the mental preparation required to compete at the highest level are daunting. However, the rewards of a successful return, perhaps with a team willing to gamble on his expertise and draw, could be monumental.
As the 2023 season unfolds, all eyes will be on the developments surrounding this historic driver. Whether Vettel will find his way back into a top car remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the F1 world still has a place for its champions, one way or another. As Marko so aptly sums up, the decision ultimately rests with Vettel and the luck of timing and opportunity.
The story of Sebastian Vettel and Formula 1 may yet have more chapters to write.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
What absolute toss. He didn’t confirm anything.