Sebastian Vettel Shuts Down F1 Return as Drama Unfolds Across the Grid

July 18, 2025: In an exclusive interview with PlanetF1.com, former Marussia team boss Graeme Lowdon reflected on the legacy of the late Jules Bianchi. July 17 marked the 10th anniversary of Bianchi’s tragic death, following his crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka. Lowdon, now team principal for the upcoming Cadillac F1 entry, called the loss of Bianchi “a talent taken far too soon.” Sebastian Vettel, who was among the drivers closest to Bianchi during his time in the paddock, has often spoken of the emotional impact Bianchi’s death had on the sport — a sentiment still deeply felt across the F1 community.

Meanwhile, the Renault Group is facing a major crisis off the track, with shares plunging nearly 20% following a profit warning. Despite being the majority stakeholder of the struggling Alpine F1 team, the organization insists the turmoil hasn’t affected its racing operations. Still, Alpine currently sits at the bottom of the 2025 Constructors’ Championship with just 19 points.

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Elsewhere in the paddock, Nelson Piquet Jr. has pushed back on rumors that Max Verstappen’s inner circle was behind Christian Horner’s recent ousting from Red Bull. Horner, who led the team for over two decades, was suddenly “released” last week. Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle suggested that “Team Verstappen” played a key role in Horner’s departure — a claim now strongly denied.

Four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel also made headlines by definitively closing the door on a potential F1 comeback. “Formula 1 is over,” said the 38-year-old, ending speculation of a return since his 2022 retirement.

Meanwhile, Johnny Herbert believes Mercedes could soon become the next superpower on the grid — and potentially Max Verstappen’s next home. Herbert claims Mercedes’ bold plans for the 2026 regulations, reportedly backed by CEO Ola Källenius, may be enough to lure Verstappen away from Red Bull.

As tributes are paid, legends step away, and rumors swirl, the world of Formula 1 remains as dramatic off the track as it is on it.