Sebastian Vettel hints at his future after F1

Sebastian Vettel took a course on the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports, potentially hinting at a direction for his post-F1 career.

A program at Harvard

The program, lasting four days, is said to have cost £9,400 (approximately 11,000 euros) and is described on the Harvard website as an advanced-level management course, focused on leadership, management, professional development, and networking.

The 37-year-old German driver had already mentioned his desire to resume his studies during an interview with RTL last November. « I am indeed going to school. I am training in the field of agriculture,” said the German.

« But it’s a condensed version. After that, I will be able to run my own business. This world fascinates me », he explains.

« I find the future of agriculture extremely exciting. It’s not a full-time training. With three children, I already have a lot to do. But it’s much calmer than before, I don’t travel as much anymore. »

Sebastian Vettel retired from F1 at the end of the 2022 season, after a career marked by four consecutive world titles with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, placing him among the most successful drivers in history.

With 53 Grand Prix victories, he occupies the fourth place in the historical ranking, behind Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher – his idol – and Max Verstappen, also a four-time world champion.

After F1, Sebastian Vettel invested in 2023 in a new German SailGP team, in collaboration with Olympic sailing bronze medalist Erik Heil.

A return to F1 with Red Bull?

Sebastian Vettel has recently appeared in paddock rumors regarding a possible return to Red Bull, this time in a management role, potentially replacing Helmut Marko, the current advisor and head of the team’s junior program.

Helmut Marko himself declared that Sebastian Vettel would be his ideal successor. « I think he would be the ideal candidate,” he said to Sky Germany. « But it is clear that at some point, one cannot continue anymore, particularly because of age. These travels are far from trivial. Of course, it would be great if a guy like Sebastian took over. There is the junior program on one side. »

He already works with girls in karting in Saudi Arabia. And on the other hand, there’s the strategic dimension of leading an F1 team.

But Sebastian Vettel, who has kept a low profile in the paddock since his retirement, is currently refusing to engage on this matter. “I think there is only one Helmut. This role belongs to Helmut,” he insisted to Sky Germany.

Yes, I think the challenge is overall inspiring, and of course, we have similar experiences on certain aspects.

« He grew up in motorsport, in a completely different era, but deep down, the mechanics remain the same. It’s always the same stakes as years ago, even if the formula has evolved a lot. »

« It is also necessary to know how to evolve, in a new, different direction », he concludes.