Sebastian Vettel Contemplates Racing Return with WEC: A Shift Towards Sustainable Racing
Former Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel is considering a return to top-tier racing, potentially joining the World Endurance Championship (WEC) as early as next year. This move aligns with his environmental concerns and the desire for a more balanced racing lifestyle.
Key Takeaways:
- Environmental Considerations: Sebastian Vettel, known for his environmental advocacy, is attracted to WEC’s use of sustainable fuels, a feature that aligns with his values. This contrasts with Formula 1’s timeline to become carbon neutral by 2030.
- Potential Joining of Jota Team: Discussions have been held between Vettel and the Jota team, which is aggressively recruiting top talent like Robert Kubica and Jenson Button for their hypercar division. Vettel was approached to race the Porsche 963.
- Work-Life Balance and Racing Thrill: Vettel’s potential switch to WEC not only aligns with his environmental values but also offers an appealing work-life balance with fewer racing rounds compared to Formula 1’s demanding schedule. Additionally, he’s expressed a longing for the thrill of racing.
Sebastian Vettel, a renowned figure in the racing world and a four-time Formula 1 World Champion, is poised to make a significant return to racing. This comes after his hiatus, during which he has been vocal about environmental issues and the need for sustainable progress in motorsports.
Marc Surer, a former F1 driver, speculates that the environmental advancements in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) could be a major draw for Vettel. The championship’s commitment to sustainable fuel is particularly appealing, offering a stark contrast to Formula 1, which is not set to be carbon neutral until 2030. This shift towards a more environmentally friendly racing platform resonates deeply with Vettel’s personal advocacy.
Vettel has been approached by the Jota team to race the Porsche 963 in the upcoming season. While a deal is not yet confirmed, the team’s ambition to recruit elite drivers for its hypercar division, having already signed prominent names like Robert Kubica and Jenson Button, indicates their serious interest in Vettel.
At a recent event at the Nurburgring, Vettel openly expressed missing the thrill of racing, suggesting a strong inner drive to return to the track. Jota team principal Sam Hignett acknowledged that conversations with Vettel have indeed taken place regarding a seat for the 2024 season.
The appeal of WEC extends beyond just environmental considerations for Vettel. The series offers a more balanced approach to racing, with fewer rounds per season compared to Formula 1’s extensive calendar. This could provide the ideal work-life balance Vettel seeks, allowing him to indulge in his passion for racing while maintaining his personal commitments and environmental endeavors.
Surer, speaking on the Formel1.de YouTube channel, emphasized Vettel’s possible inclination towards the WEC’s Hypercars due to their environmental friendliness. He remarked, “[Vettel] perhaps feels with the Hypercars that this is more environmentally friendly than the current Formula 1… His mental attitude with his environmental activities does not fit in [with F1], so he would have to have a good reason [to return].”
Concluding his thoughts, Surer highlighted the psychological aspect of Vettel’s potential return, noting the void left by his absence from competitive racing. He believes that the longing for the unique thrill and challenge of top-class sport could ultimately drive Vettel back to the racetrack, fulfilling a part of his life that has been missing since stepping away from Formula 1.
