The hypothesis of Sebastian Vettel with Porsche at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024
The four-time Formula 1 World Champion, Sebastian Vettel, could make his comeback to competition. And this, in the World Endurance Championship, in 2024. The German driver would have received a concrete offer from the British team Jota. A test with an LMP2 car could take place soon.
The “silly season” is in full swing in the World Endurance Championship: with a few weeks left in the WEC season in Bahrain, the battle for seats has begun. A Formula 1 driver finds himself in the midst of it all. Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel could participate in a test in Spain in early October for the British team Jota.
The objective will be to offer the German the possibility to familiarize himself with the current Hypercar category in a closed LMP2 prototype. Jota Sport drivers António Félix da Costa and Will Stevens are expected to assist Vettel. The former Red Bull driver was present at the Japanese GP in Suzuka, when the question was asked, he declared that for now, nothing has been signed or decided, but I keep this matter in mind. After all, I still have time to make a decision.
Vettel with Le Mans in mind and an All-Star team
Sebastian Vettel had already declared himself a fan of Le Mans and endurance racing during the peak of the era of hybrid LMP1 cars, from 2013 to 2017. Even though the 36-year-old driver is currently primarily focused on sustainability-related topics, he still has a passion for racing: “« If I were to come to the conclusion one day that I cannot live without racing, then I will drive again »,” announced Vettel at Suzuka.
It is easy to explain why Formula 1 drivers like Vettel are now interested in endurance racing: in 2024, nine manufacturers will be competing in the new top category of Hypercars, making the WEC the second best stage in global motorsport, behind F1.
Due to the high density of manufacturers, some factories and teams rely on renowned drivers to attract attention, thus increasing the chances of finding sponsors. The British team Jota, which aims to compete in the WEC in 2024 with two customer Porsche 963s, has been working for some time on assembling an All-Star lineup for its second car. Team manager Sam Hignett is negotiating with former F1 driver Robert Kubica, who could bring his main sponsor, Orlen, into the partnership.
The Polish driver has also been in contact with BMW, but it seems that Jota is his best option for 2024. A third driver is being considered and it would be Jenson Button. He will be driving in IMSA for the final race with JDC Miller Motorsports, already on a Porsche 963. The arrival of Sebastian Vettel would give an additional boost to the WEC.
