Sebastian Vettel truth becomes clear amid Mercedes or Red Bull F1 return rumours

12 April 2024 , 09:18

1060     0

Sebastian Vettel has hinted at a possible F1 comeback (Image: Getty Images)

Even if he wants to come back, Sebastian Vettel is unlikely to land a return to the Formula 1 grid next year.

Vettel walked away from the sport in 2022, choosing to spend more time with his wife and young children than was possible while also meeting the demands of a 24-race season. But there have been hints of late that he might be more open to racing in F1 again.

"It does cross my mind, I do think about it... There are thoughts, but nothing concrete at the minute.," he said last week. He also said he had spoken with Toto Wolff, though not specifically about Mercedes ' 2025 driver vacancy.

Red Bull also have a driver decision to make with Sergio Perez out of contract at the end of the year. But adviser Helmut Marko, who has significant control over the team's driver decisions, has already said a Vettel return is "not an option".

Mirror Sport understands the same is true at Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have both publicly supported the idea of Vettel joining the Silver Arrows, but as it stands it is highly unlikely that the four-time F1 champion will come out of retirement to replace his old friend and rival Hamilton.

Inside the driver call which upset Red Bull and changed the course of F1 history

Ferrari and McLaren have full driver line-ups for 2025 and beyond, while the same is true at Aston Martin now that Fernando Alonso has agreed a new deal there. Lance Stroll 's contract technically expires at the end of this year, but a renewal is a-given for as long as he wants to be there, seeing as his father owns the team.

So there is no room for Vettel at any of the top five teams - and the same is likely to be true for those further back. This year's driver market movements are likely to see fresh blood come in at the expense of some experienced veterans, rather than the other way around.

For example, at Haas, it seems inevitable that at least one of their drivers will be replaced by teenage Ferrari prodigy Oliver Bearman. As it stands, Kevin Magnussen is the one on the chopping block, but that could change if Nico Hulkenberg leaves himself.

The German is a target for Audi 's new F1 project, along with Carlos Sainz. But it may be the case that they bring in one or the other if they prefer to have a younger star as part of their line-up, such as current Formula 2 standings leader Zane Maloney who is already on the books at Sauber.

Unless Logan Sargeant improves swiftly, Williams are likely to replace him and they are also taking a look at Sainz. Liam Lawson is next in the pipeline for Red Bull's sister team RB, and Alpine have several junior drivers to choose from should either Esteban Ocon or Pierre Gasly decide they've had enough of the team's backwards momentum.

Daniel Moxon