Vettel Admits He's 'Potentially' In Market For 2025 F1 Seat, Mentions His Criteria

Wednesday, 03 April 2024 at 17:00

Updated at Wednesday, 03 April 2024 at 17:40

The four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel discussed a potential return to the pinnacle of motorsport during an interview ahead of the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix.

Rumors about Sebastian Vettel's potential return have swelled ever since Lewis Hamilton decided to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season.

There are a few reasons. First, everything seems possible after the announcement of the seven-time World Champion. Second, the German driver would be an excellent fit for the German team and is one of few people with similar capabilities and experience (to Hamilton).

Lastly, Vetter wouldn't be the first person to retire and then return just a few years later. Fernando Alonso did the same. He is currently 42 (six years older than Vettel) and still racing at the highest level.

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In his most recent interview with Sky Sports, Vettel was asked whether he is in the market for a 2025 seat. He confirmed he potentially is, but he seems to have a condition.

"Well, potentially I am because I haven't got a drive, but they question is, am I looking for one? I think it depends on the package."

The four-time World Champion slightly confirmed the words of his former colleague Bernie Collins, who said she believed he would return to F1 if offered a fast and competitive car. Vettel continued:

"I retired from Formula 1 not to come back, but I also did say that you never know. So I think it still stands."

The 36-year-old obviously keeps all his options open, but he didn't mention anything specific. Concerning whether there is something that he misses, he added:

"Obviously, there's things that I miss, which is mostly the competition. And things that I don't miss, so that hasn't changed. Obviously, life is very different if you're not involved and I do enjoy that still."

"You never know where life is taking you, so maybe it takes me back behind the wheel, maybe it doesn't."