Why Vettel is not planning a Formula 1 comeback - and what might appeal to him

(Motorsport-Total.com) - In ZDF 's Aktuelles Sportstudio, Sebastian Vettel once again rejected a Formula 1 comeback. Vettel said he would not return "as a driver." "That time is over. As a driver, you have to accept that at some point." Vettel has emphasized this repeatedly .

But Vettel is still keeping open the possibility of a Formula 1 return in a "different role" - "depending on what the role entails exactly," said the four-time world champion.

In the broadcast of August 9, 2025, he was asked about the comments made by Red Bull sporting director Helmut Marko, who had recently mentioned Vettel as a potential successor .

Now Vettel said he will not directly succeed Marko: "Dr. Marko has brought a lot to this role and only he can fill it like this."

Marko himself later revised his own approach and told oe24 : Vettel as his successor at Red Bull "is not an issue and will not be an issue."

What Sebastian Vettel can imagine

For Vettel, a return to Formula 1 is still possible. He said he could "perhaps take on one or two roles in the future," without being more specific. He said it was "absolutely conceivable." (ADVERTISEMENT: Watch all Formula 1 races live on Sky!)

However, Vettel did not specify a timeframe for a possible return to Formula 1: "At the moment, I'm quite happy with my tasks and have enough to do. It's a lot of fun with the kids, and at home, the tractor has to be driven," Vettel explained with a laugh.

A possible comeback in a sports car is therefore not currently an issue. Although Vettel has already completed test drives for Porsche , "it hasn't happened yet," Vettel said. But the 38-year-old isn't putting himself under any pressure: "I think I still have a bit of time."

Sebastian Vettel in Formula 1

Vettel ended his Formula 1 driving career at the end of 2022.

With Red Bull, he became world champion four times in a row from 2010 to 2013, and with Ferrari he finished second in the world championship in 2017 and 2018.

With his last Formula 1 team, Aston Martin, he achieved a respectable result in 2021, finishing second in Baku – the first podium finish for Aston Martin in Formula 1.