F1 News Today: Vettel F1 return verdict declared as Doohan’s A…readmore 

Speculation around Sebastian Vettel’s potential return to Formula 1 continues to build momentum, following fresh comments from Red Bull’s senior advisor Helmut Marko. The four-time world champion, who retired at the end of the 2022 season, has remained close to the F1 scene, and his name has resurfaced amid discussions about future team roles and driver reshuffles.
Helmut Marko recently acknowledged Vettel’s interest in making a comeback to the sport, saying that the German still has “the itch” to race. Marko even mentioned that Vettel would be a perfect candidate to succeed him at Red Bull in an advisory or management capacity. However, despite the endorsement, Marko was clear that Vettel’s return as a Red Bull driver is highly unlikely due to the current structure of the team and its driver lineup.
Specifically, Marko pointed out that pairing Vettel with Max Verstappen would not be ideal, given Verstappen’s dominant presence and the difficulty any driver would face alongside him. “I wouldn’t want to do that to him,” Marko stated, suggesting that a return in a competitive seat at Red Bull is not in the cards for Vettel.
Nonetheless, Vettel’s activities post-retirement suggest that he is not completely detached from the sport. He’s been present at major motorsport events like the Monaco Grand Prix and the Goodwood Festival of Speed, further fueling rumors of a return. There is also speculation linking him with Audi’s anticipated entry into Formula 1 in 2026. Though no official discussions have been confirmed, many believe that Vettel’s experience and values could align with Audi’s long-term vision.
In a parallel storyline, the situation at Alpine adds another layer to the driver market. Jack Doohan, a highly regarded Alpine reserve driver, was previously considered a strong candidate for a full-time seat. However, recent developments suggest Alpine might be rethinking their driver lineup, opening the door to unexpected moves or external candidates entering the conversation.
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, remains skeptical of Vettel returning in a management role, highlighting that Vettel’s independent nature and environmental interests might steer him toward a different kind of involvement in the sport.
As the 2025 season approaches, Vettel’s future in F1 remains uncertain. While a return as a driver may be off the table at Red Bull, other opportunities—perhaps with Audi or in a leadership role—may still lie ahead.