Sebastian Vettel Rules Out F1 Comeback, Eyes Future in Endurance Racing

July 18, 2025: Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has officially shut the door on any return to F1 as a driver, emphasizing his support for the sport’s emerging new talent.

Vettel, who dominated the sport with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, left the grid at the end of 2022 after a final two-year stint with Aston Martin. Despite being just 38 — younger than current drivers like Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton — Vettel insists his time in Formula 1 is firmly in the past.

“Formula 1 is over,” he told Auto Motor und Sport. “At some point, the time is ripe to leave the field to others. You can see that especially with the rookies… This isn’t a vote against the old drivers, but rather for the young drivers.”

Vettel began his F1 career in 2007 and earned a place among the sport’s greats by clinching four consecutive titles during the V8 era. His move to Ferrari in 2015 was intended to mirror the legacy of his idol, Michael Schumacher, but despite multiple race wins, he was unable to secure a championship with the Scuderia.

Following his F1 retirement, Vettel has focused on family life and environmental advocacy, largely staying out of the racing spotlight. However, he hasn’t ruled out remaining involved in motorsport in other capacities.

Future Possibilities: Management or Endurance

While uninterested in racing in F1 again, Vettel has shown openness to a managerial role — potentially at Red Bull. Long-time team advisor Helmut Marko previously floated the idea of Vettel taking over the energy drink giant’s young driver programme.

In terms of racing, Vettel has expressed interest in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), including a potential run at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2026. Earlier this year, he tested Porsche’s 963 LMDh prototype at Aragon, hinting at a possible transition to endurance racing — although a formal deal has yet to be announced.

For now, Vettel remains a respected figure in the F1 paddock, even as he steers his focus toward nurturing new talent and exploring fresh challenges beyond single-seaters.