Sebastian Vettel, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, left the sport at the end of the 2022 season. Since then, fans and pundits have speculated about the possibility of his return. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that could influence Vettel’s decision and whether we might see him back on the grid.
Sebastian Vettel’s desire to be in a competitive car is evident. He misses the adrenaline rush of racing, the thrill of battling wheel-to-wheel with other drivers, and the pursuit of victory. But does Formula 1 still offer him that opportunity?In his recent interviews, Vettel has emphasized having a “distinct way” of approaching things.
However, Sebastian Vettel, who tested Porsche’s 963 World Endurance Championship Hypercar earlier this year, said “it doesn’t look like” he will return to F1 “because I think I have a very distinct way of how to do things.”
“There’s lots of things that I miss but there’s also things that just don’t work together,” he said. “It was a very tough decision, it still hurts, I think it’s better now after one and a half years of distance. But I think I’m very much at peace with it and enjoying my new life.”
Sebastian Vettel’s Le Mans Test
Leaving Formula 1 was undoubtedly a difficult choice for Vettel. After years of success with Red Bull Racing and Ferrari, he faced challenges at Aston Martin (formerly Racing Point). Despite the setbacks, he remains at peace with his decision. Perhaps the time away has allowed him to reflect and appreciate other aspects of life beyond racing.
Vettel’s test at the Spanish venue Motorland Aragon was no mere novelty outing. Porsche had meticulously prepared for this 36-hour continuous test, simulating endurance racing conditions. Vettel logged an impressive 118 laps during the test, equivalent to two double stints. His performance was closely monitored by other Porsche works drivers, including Laurens Vanthoor, a seasoned campaigner for the brand.
The extensive preparation and the integral role of this test in Porsche’s Le Mans preparations hint at competitive prospects. Aragon’s long back straight, where speeds exceed 300 km/h (186 mph), mirrors the conditions seen at the Circuit des 24 Heures. Vettel’s integration into this test suggests that Porsche considered him as a potential driver for their Le Mans campaign.
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