Sebastian Vettel says he is considering making a return to Method 1 amid ongoing discussions with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and the game’s different staff principals.
The four-time world champion retired in 2022 after 16 seasons in F1 however has since been frequently linked with a potential return to the grid.
Mercedes have a 2025 seat to fill following Lewis Hamilton’s resolution to affix Ferrari, whereas Purple Bull, the staff Vettel received his 4 drivers’ titles with, might even have a emptiness with Sergio Perez’s contract expiring.
“I’m talking to a lot of people because I know them, but not very specific,” Vettel advised Sky Information on Wednesday. “I mean obviously it does cross my mind, I do think about it but it’s not the main thought.
“I’ve three youngsters at house, it is busy day by day, so there’s a number of different ideas I’ve.
“I’m chatting with Toto. I do not know if that qualifies as Mercedes, however about different issues.
“There’s concepts that I’ve, occasions that I am planning going forwards, so I did converse to a number of different staff principals as properly, and never solely about racing.
“There’s thoughts, but nothing concrete at the minute.”
Vettel tempted by Le Mans alternative
If he have been to return to F1, Vettel would at present solely be the third eldest driver on the grid, with the 39-year-old Hamilton and 42-year-old Fernando Alonso nonetheless acting at a excessive stage.
Requested what he has missed since hanging up his helmet, Vettel added: “The joys, the velocity. I believe the competitors principally, actually.
“Driving quick is not the only thing, but it’s really the competition.”
Vettel lately examined the Porsche hypercar that can run on this yr’s 24 Hours of Le Mans race in June.
The German mentioned there is a risk he might make his debut within the well-known race.
“Maybe, I don’t know yet,” Vettel mentioned.
“I’ve been testing. I was curious, so I wanted to see how it feels. It’s obviously a different discipline. It’s still racing, but it’s a different car, different discipline.
“Plenty of issues that excite me, a number of various things, not essentially simply one thing behind the wheel but in addition exterior the automotive.
“I am (tempted) and I’m not. I am obviously also looking for lots of other things and there’s lots of other things that do interest me outside of racing.”
‘Hamilton Ferrari swap stunning however thrilling’
Having shared intense world championship battles earlier of their careers, Vettel and Hamilton had developed a powerful relationship by the point the previous retired.
With Hamilton set to comply with in Vettel’s footsteps by driving at Ferrari, the German admitted he was “surprised” by the swap.
“I was surprised, like I guess most of us,” Vettel mentioned.
“But exciting. Obviously, he’s looking for a new challenge and it will be different to see him in red, in a different colour.”
The ultimate two of Vettel’s six seasons with Ferrari noticed him drive alongside Charles Leclerc, who stays with the Italian staff and can be Hamilton’s team-mate subsequent yr.
Vettel is assured the pair will get alongside, however warns Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur will face a problem in managing their competitiveness.
“Charles is good, Charles is easy,” Vettel mentioned. “He’s very quick, very competitive but so is Lewis.
“So it is harder I assume for the staff to handle.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s dwell Japanese GP schedule
Thursday April 4
4.30am: Drivers’ press convention
Friday April 5
3am: Japanese GP Observe One (session begins at 3.30am)*
6.45am: Japanese GP Observe Two (session begins at 7am)*
8.15am: The F1 Present*
10am: Japanese GP Observe One replay
11.30am: Japanese GP Observe Two replay
Saturday April 6
3.15am: Japanese GP Observe Three (session begins at 3.30am)*
6am: Japanese GP Qualifying build-up*
7am: Japanese GP Qualifying*
9am: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book*
9.30am: Japanese GP Qualifying replay
Sunday April 7
5am: Grand Prix Sunday Japanese GP build-up*
6am: The JAPANESE GRAND PRIX*
8am: Chequered Flag: Japanese GP response*
9am: Ted’s Pocket book*
9.30am: Japanese Grand Prix highlights*
10.30am: Japanese Grand Prix replay
*additionally dwell on Sky Sports activities Major Occasion
Method 1’s greatest ever season continues with the Japanese Grand Prix, dwell on Sky Sports activities F1 this weekend. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
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