Sebastian Vettel Open to F1 Return in a Non-Driving Role, Talks with Red Bull Confirmed

Sebastian Vettel remains connected to Formula 1, albeit without concrete plans for a comeback. The four-time world champion is deeply involved in environmental and social causes, but the allure of F1 still holds a strong grip.

Why it matters:

After a storied career, Vettel's potential return, even outside the cockpit, could bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the paddock. His insights, particularly on the psychological aspects of high-performance sport, could be invaluable to teams and young drivers alike, potentially shaping the next generation of talent and team dynamics. His continued engagement underscores the sport's enduring appeal to its legends.

The Details:

• Continued Presence: Vettel was recently seen in the São Paulo paddock, collaborating with former colleagues on environmental initiatives like combating deforestation, showcasing his enduring passion for causes beyond racing.
• Potential Return: When asked about a comeback in a non-driving capacity, Vettel told Formula1.com, "It could be. It really depends on the role." This suggests an openness to a new chapter within F1, provided the right opportunity arises.
• Focus on Psychology: Vettel expressed particular interest in the human elements of elite sports, including mentoring young drivers, understanding team dynamics, and discerning what differentiates successful teams. "The psychological element has always fascinated me," he stated.
• No Rush: Despite his interest, Vettel emphasized that he is not currently under pressure to return, stating, "I am not in a hurry." Since retiring at the end of 2022, he has been involved in significant projects outside F1, including the F1-Forest initiative and the German Sail-GP team.
• Red Bull Discussions: Vettel confirmed that he held discussions with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko regarding a potential role. However, he clarified to Sky, "It led to nothing, it never gained momentum." Marko had previously indicated that a return for the former team star was not currently on Red Bull's agenda.

What's next:

While no immediate F1 role is on the horizon, Vettel's continued presence and expressed interest suggest that the door remains open for a future engagement. He remains a keen observer of the sport, stating, "I love Formula 1. At the beginning, I thought: I don't know if I want to continue watching, because I need distance and so on. But I watch the races and I follow everything – and I love it because I just love this sport. I still know the guys, so I remain close in that way." His focus on sustainability and human performance could lead to a unique and impactful role should he choose to return.