A return of Sebastian Vettel in Formula 1? “I can’t say no.”

While he had surprised the world of F1 a year ago by announcing his departure from Aston Martin and, most importantly, announcing his retirement, Sebastian Vettel has since taken time for himself and time to dedicate to various projects, including one in particular that is dear to his heart: “There is still a race to win”. This adage, which means “there is still a race to win”, refers to climate change and its consequences, particularly on animals. Present in the paddock this weekend, he is inaugurating the installation of eleven beehives inside turn 2 to promote biodiversity and the protection of bees.

The four-time world champion opened up to Martin Brundle about life after Formula 1, a possible comeback, and Max Verstappen. It has now been almost a full season since the German has been away from the F1 paddock and its frantic pace. While he has taken time to travel with his family in a van, he doesn’t seem to rule out a return. “We were in a van as a family, and I really liked it,” Vettel explained. He also mentioned that people recognized him from time to time, sometimes more often, sometimes less. “I think I was lucky, I wore a helmet most of the time, that’s why I wasn’t often recognized,” he added.

A possible comeback?

Present this weekend in Suzuka, at the Japanese Grand Prix, which he particularly enjoys, he opened up about his potential return to the sport. « I cannot say no to a comeback, but it will surely depend on a new challenge. » However, he admits « that he is not thinking about it at the moment. »

The German also spoke about the double world champion Max Verstappen whom he describes as « one of the best drivers I have ever raced against ». He gave his opinion on the rivalry between the Dutchman and Lewis Hamilton: « You can’t compare Max to Lewis, there is no formula for success in Formula 1. Lewis has proven that he is the greatest of all time. Max is doing something exceptional. »

A story that reminds of others

Sebastian Vettel is not the only world champion considering a comeback: other illustrious drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, or Kimi Räikkönen, in recent history, have retired before returning to Formula 1 with quite different paths.

After his first retirement following the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2006, which he finished in fourth place, Michael Schumacher will take on the role of assistant to Jean Todt in the management of sports, with Jean Todt also being appointed the CEO of the Ferrari brand. He also races in motorcycles and takes care of his son Mick’s karting career before coming out of retirement to join Mercedes for the 2010 season.

Different paths

As for Fernando Alonso, his first retirement was a success. In 2017, with the support of McLaren, where he was racing at the time, he participated in the Indianapolis 500 where he delivered a fantastic performance, qualifying in 5th position and even leading for 27 laps before retiring due to an engine failure. He declared his intention to give it another try. He joined Toyota in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018, while also racing in Formula 1 with McLaren. He won the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in his first participation alongside his teammates Kazuki Nakajima and Sébastien Buemi. He became the World Endurance Champion in 2019, winning both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2020, he participated in the Dakar Rally and finished in thirteenth place before making his return with Alpine F1 in 2021.

Kimi Räikkönen will choose another discipline for his first retirement: WRC with Citroën in 2010, finishing in tenth place in the drivers’ championship with 25 points. In 2011, he will be more consistent but once again finish in tenth place in the drivers’ standings, this time with 34 points, before returning to Formula 1 with Lotus in 2012. After retiring from Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season with Alfa Romeo, he is now the team principal of Kawasaki Racing Team in MXGP.