Helmut Marko has once again fueled rumors about Sebastian Vettel’s potential return to Formula 1, this time with Audi’s new F1 project set to debut in 2026. As Audi prepares for its entry into the sport with a fresh set of regulations, the German manufacturer has been linked with several high-profile names, and Vettel’s could be the most significant yet.
Audi has already secured key personnel, including a project head and former Red Bull man Andreas Seidl as team principal, sparking further speculation about their driver lineup. Vettel, who retired from F1 at the end of 2022, has been rumored to be considering a comeback, potentially alongside a promising young driver for Audi.
Marko first hinted at Vettel’s interest in returning to F1 with Audi, but he didn’t anticipate the media frenzy that followed. According to Marko, Vettel had inquired about available seats at top teams, and given his close connections with figures like Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley from his Ferrari and Red Bull days, Audi seemed a natural fit if he decided to come back.
Marko emphasized the potential advantages of having a German driver like Vettel for a German team like Audi. He noted that Vettel’s extensive experience and popularity could significantly enhance the team’s performance and brand image, particularly in Germany. Although Marko also suggested another potential driver for Audi, the media latched onto the possibility of Vettel’s return, creating significant hype around the prospect.
Speculation has since intensified, with many wondering where Vettel might fit into the current F1 landscape if he does make a comeback. Audi remains the most discussed option, given their upcoming entry and German roots. However, there have also been whispers about Vettel potentially replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull, though Marko has categorically denied this possibility. He made it clear that pairing Vettel with Max Verstappen would be unlikely, as it could be unfair to the four-time world champion given Verstappen’s dominance and position within the team.
Marko explained that Vettel’s past accomplishments and the current highly competitive environment make such a pairing improbable. Even if Vettel were to return, Marko stated he wouldn’t want to place him in a direct rivalry with Verstappen, given the Dutchman’s stronghold at Red Bull.
While it remains uncertain whether Vettel will indeed return to F1, fans are eagerly awaiting any developments. The idea of seeing Vettel back on track, particularly with a new team like Audi, is tantalizing for many. Whether or not it materializes, the speculation alone has already generated significant excitement within the F1 community.
Photo from Sebastian Vettel Instagram
