Despite winning 14 Grand Prix races while driving for Ferrari, the German driver did not achieve his ultimate goal of winning the championship. Sebastian Vettel, a four-time world champion, retired at the end of the 2022 season, but speculations about a possible comeback have persisted in recent months.
Vettel began his Formula 1 career in 2008 with Toro Rosso before moving to Red Bull. During his time at Red Bull, he became only the third driver in F1 history, following in the footsteps of Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher, to win four consecutive titles. In 2015, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining the prestigious Ferrari team.
Despite his success with Ferrari, Vettel was unable to achieve his ultimate goal of winning the championship. His best opportunity came in 2018, but a series of high-profile mistakes proved costly. Ferrari ultimately decided to part ways with Vettel at the end of the 2020 season and replaced him with Carlos Sainz. Vettel subsequently joined Aston Martin for the final two years of his career.
Recently, rumors have emerged linking Vettel to the vacant seat at Mercedes left by Lewis Hamilton. However, Vettel has expressed interest in potentially joining Audi instead of Mercedes. Audi is set to enter Formula 1 in the 2026 season, taking over Sauber, and has already secured the services of experienced German driver Nico Hulkenberg. Although Vettel remains an intriguing option, it seems increasingly unlikely that he will make the switch, with other drivers like Sainz, Yuki Tsunoda, and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon seen as stronger contenders.
Both David Croft, commentator for Sky Sports F1, and former Aston Martin colleague Bernie Collins doubt Vettel’s possible return to the sport. They suggest that Vettel may have passed his peak when he retired at 36 years old.
During the early 2010s, Vettel enjoyed a period of dominance similar to Max Verstappen’s recent success. He clinched championship titles in 2011 and 2013, with the latter campaign ending with a remarkable nine consecutive victories. His wins in 2010 and 2012 were hard-fought, as he denied Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso in the final race on both occasions.
Former Ferrari strategist Ruth Buscombe recalls that the team had a dislike for Vettel during his peak years due to his exceptional skills. His dominance within the team caused frustration among his teammates.
Considering that more than a decade has passed since Vettel’s peak, teams like Audi may view the prospect of hiring him as too risky, despite the attention it would generate.
