Sebastian Vettel is transparent about adjusting to life beyond F1, responding to F1 news outlets speculating he could return to racing.
A few weeks ago, reports emerged that Sebastian Vettel is in talks to compete in WEC. The prospect of the 4-time World Champion returning to competitive racing sparked excitement across social media.
Next year’s World Endurance Championship will see an increased presence in big-name manufacturers. Moreover, several ex-F1 drivers are set to compete – only increasing the series’ popularity. Last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans saw Ferrari claim a historic victory, further accelerating anticipation for 2024.
The growth of Formula 1 inevitably trickles into the popularity of other racing categories. Sebastian Vettel’s arrival would compound this impact – should he decide to compete in next year’s WEC.
Vettel’s future plans are undefined
However, whether the 36-year-old is committed to racing next season is still unclear. This uncertainty doesn’t only apply to WEC, but also to any potential aspirations of making a comeback in F1.
In a recent interview, Vettel outlined his changed perspective since leaving Formula 1:
“You can never rule out something like that [returning to F1]. But at some point the time will be over,” he told NTV.
“My age wasn’t the issue and it was my decision to draw the line. But I didn’t draw it just to cancel it a year later.
“I have the privilege of spending more time with my family and my children, that is a priority.
“Just as I have rediscovered the world in recent years, Formula 1, no matter how big it may be, has always become smaller.”
Making any concrete conclusion from these quotes is very difficult. On one hand, the German still expresses an obvious love for motorsport. This is a consistent theme across most of his interviews since announcing his retirement last year.
Risk vs Reward
However, it is difficult to refute Vettel’s interests outside of F1. Vettel feels very passionate about his environmental causes, as evidenced by his latest cameo at the Japanese GP.
His affinity for nature goes beyond bee hotels, however. The 36-year-old speaks extensively about ensuring sustainability is at motorsport’s forefront. Vettel has made very stern statements about the dangers of F1 becoming outdated if it doesn’t adapt.
Still, it isn’t easy to pinpoint what factors could motivate or dissuade him from racing competitively. A return to the pinnacle of motorsport is far from guaranteed – he would still need to find a suitable team to return with.
The prestige associated with a four-time Champion comes with a particular element of pressure and expectation. Moreover, having achieved several world titles and race wins, Vettel has nothing to prove.
From a purely analytical perspective, there may be little to gain and much to lose from racing in F1. At this stage, everything is optional for the German. He is forever etched in the record books, so there are unlimited possibilities for 2024 and beyond.
It remains to be seen if Vettel is motivated to race professionally next year, but the next few months should provide more light on the situation.
