Vettel is out of the F1 world championship in 2022, but said he is “potentially” available to return next year. “I’m potentially free because I don’t have a car. But the question is, am I looking for one? I think it will depend on the offer,” said Vettel today. “I retired from Formula 1 and had no plans to come back, but at the same time I said you never know. And that’s still true,” added the winner of 53 Grand Prix.
Vettel won his four titles between 2010 and 2013 with Red Bull. He also drove for Ferrari for six seasons and said goodbye to the elite series as an Aston Martin pilot.
In the event of his comeback, a connection with the Mercedes team is offered, in which Vettel could be the first German driver since 2016, when Nico Rosberg suddenly quit after winning the title. Mercedes will have a vacancy at the end of the year following the departure of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari.
Vettel admitted that he is in contact with Mercedes boss Wolff. “I talked to him several times, but not primarily about a place in the car. We briefly talked about the whole situation. But at the same time, I also had fun with others, because I am still in contact with them. I have some projects and ideas in my head together with F1. So we’ll see how it goes. Maybe it will get me back behind the wheel, maybe not,” said Vettel, who recently tested a Porsche for Le Mans and could make his debut in the famous 24-hour endurance race this year.
