F1 News: Former Driver Reveals High Chances Of Sebastian Vettel Return To Formula 1

Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has hinted at former F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel’s return to the premier class of motorsport after his exit from the sport in 2022. The four-time world champion has hinted at his return to motorsport on several occasions but the time remains uncertain.

Key Takeaways:

• Ralf Schumacher suggests Sebastian Vettel might make a return to Formula 1 after his exit in 2022, following Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, leaving a vacant seat at Mercedes.
• Speculations about potential drivers for Hamilton’s vacant seat include Carlos Sainz, Mick Schumacher, and Sergio Perez, with Vettel also rumored for a return to F1.
• Vettel’s possible return aligns with his previous statements, expressing openness to the idea, though he emphasizes it depends on the challenge and timing.

The driver market was shaken up by Lewis Hamilton’s announcement of his move from Mercedes to Ferrari, scheduled for next year. His exit leaves one seat empty in Mercedes, apart from the contracts of 13 other drivers that are to expire at the end of 2024.

There have been ongoing speculations about the driver who will occupy Hamilton’s Mercedes seat. Various names, including Carlos Sainz, Mick Schumacher, and Sergio Perez, have been circulating. Even Vettel has not been exempt from rumors, with suggestions of a potential return to F1 with Mercedes.

Regardless of his potential return to Mercedes, as a former F1 driver driven by the racing adrenaline, it might be difficult to stay away from a racing career. For instance, Fernando Alonso made a comeback to the sport after a short retirement following the 2018 season, returning two years later in 2021.

Thus, Ralf told Sky Germany of Vettel’s return to sport. He said:

“I heard that Sebastian Vettel wants to drive a car again.

“Of course, you have to close a gap now. You saw what happened on the stock market after Lewis Hamilton moved to Ferrari, that triggered something.”

Last year, when Vettel was asked by Sky Sports F1 if he was considering a return to the sport, he answered:

“I can’t say no, because you don’t know.”

He added:

“It probably will depend much on when, and obviously it’s not endless, because at 36 it’s not like, ‘Yeah, in 10 years’ time, maybe I think about it’, then time has passed.

“It will depend on the challenge, whatever, but it’s not in my head right now. I’m enjoying the sort of outlook of the challenge of what to do next.”

With such statements from both Vettel and insiders like Schumacher, the possibility of the former champion returning to the F1 grid seems more than mere speculation. As the driver market continues to buzz with rumors and anticipation, Formula 1 enthusiasts eagerly await further developments.