After a successful run in his career, former Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel decided to return to his family and devote his time to them and other meaningful causes. When the 2022 season was moving forward, Vettel dropped a bombshell by announcing his early retirement through social media. Ever since he exited Aston Martin, the German driver made multiple appearances on the paddock.
His presence during racing or the events that took place in F1 was indicative that he longs for the sporting life and the thrills of being a motorsport driver. Vettel’s last appearance behind the wheel was while championship-winning Red Bull in the Nurburgring Nordschleife. During a Sky Sports F1 interview at Nurburgring, he hinted at his doubts about returning to the grid.
Sebastian Vettel confirms a possible comeback to racing
Sebastian Vettel made it quite clear that he would not be taking back an injured driver and that his return would be on his terms. Even after reaching 36, he admitted that he was physically fit, however, his neck strength was not up to pace for F1 powers. Regardless, the charisma and skills the driver has is commendable making him one of the best investments for any team.
Speaking to https://t.co/Sis3ouVRxK [RTL], Sebastian Vettel talks about how “it could happen that I return to racing. With what type of car I don’t know yet. Racing is my passion, something that interests me very much”.
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) November 30, 2023
Although he enjoys his retired life while spending quality time with his wife and children, the German has not called quits on his potential comeback. In a conversation with sport.de, Vettel said, “It could be that I’ll get back into it. I don’t know what kind of car yet. It’s a passion of mine and something that interests me very much”. “When I’m standing next to the track, of course, it makes me tingle,” he added.
Almost a year after his retirement, it is assumed that the challenges he faced with Aston Martin were the driving force behind his departure.
Aston Martin credits Vettel for the development of the car
With eight podium finishes this year, Aston Martin proved their willingness to compete. The team owes a portion of its success to the now-retired Sebastian Vettel, something that the team’s Performance Director Tom McCullough believes. To join Aston Martin for the 2021 season, Vettel took a calculated gamble to leave Ferrari after six seasons.
đź“°: Aston Martin’s McCullough laments Vettel’s lack of strong car; despite 2 podium finishes, the team failed to win a race or finish above 7th in Constructors’ Championship. He praised Vettel’s skills but regrets that he didn’t get to benefit from his hard work.#F1 pic.twitter.com/EvuhzAm5Px
— F1 Naija (@f1_naija) February 16, 2023
McCullough disclosed Sebastian Vettel’s role within the team by saying, “When he joined us he came from two championship-winning teams. At that time, he brought up a lot of small details. He was a relentless worker as well. I felt for him that he’s not really got any of the benefits of this year’s car.”
The director was disappointed at the fact that Vettel was unable to drive the 2023 car, AMR23. However, Fernando Alonso came as a replacement for the former driver and went on to secure six podiums in the initial eight races.