Vettel admits 'flirting' with F1 return but emotional reason blocked comeback

29 March 2024 , 11:45

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Sebastian Vettel has been asked again about his Formula 1 future (Image: Getty Images)

Sebastian Vettel admitted he has given some thought to making a comeback to the Formula 1 grid.

But he said the guilt of leaving his children behind to jet around the globe again is too much for him to truly consider a return to the sport. He retired at the end of the 2022 season after two years racing for Aston Martin.

Many fans still hope the popular four-time champion will one day race again in F1. He is still only 36, younger than both Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, so age is not a barrier that would necessarily prevent that from happening.

However, there remains the main reason why Vettel chose to walk away in the first place. A 24-race season which takes drivers all across the globe is not compatible with the family life the German wants with his wife Hanna and their three children.

He admitted that it remains a significant barrier to an F1 return as he spoke to German broadcaster RTL about his future. Vettel said: "Of course, you think about it and flirt with it. Sometimes it's the case that [one of my children] says, 'Dad, don't do that, then you'll be gone so much.

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"I really enjoyed the last year-and-a-half and also really enjoyed the time with the children, hopefully, the children did too. Maybe the mood will change again, but things are still going very well at the moment.

"There are also 24 races and beyond that, I know from my time how I would like to structure my job if I decided to do it. I don't think it's objectionable that there are other interests in my life. Not just people and relationships, but also other things that interest and motivate me."

Mercedes are in need of a new driver for next year with Hamilton leaving for Ferrari, and Vettel has been tenuously linked with that vacancy. He admits he has spoken with team principal Toto Wolff lately, but not about the prospect of replacing the seven-time champion.

He added: "We spoke on the phone. Of course, we also talked about the fact that a lot is happening at Mercedes, but not specifically about the fact that I could take the [seat]."

Vettel is still interested in motorsport participation at a high level and, earlier this week tested the Porsche Penske World Endurance Championship hypercar. It could lead to him making a debut at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race, but the 36-year-old says he has yet to make a decision on whether he will take part in the June event.

Daniel Moxon