F1 Today: Speculation Around Sebastian Vettel’s Return Dismissed as ‘Pointless’ by F….readmore
Recent speculation surrounding Sebastian Vettel’s possible return to Formula 1 has been firmly shot down, with a respected former team boss stating it would be “pointless” for the four-time world champion to come back to the sport. In the same breath, the ex-team chief also dismissed long-standing criticisms that Vettel could only win in dominant machinery, strongly defending the German driver’s talent and achievements.
Sebastian Vettel, who retired from F1 at the end of the 2022 season, has recently sparked conversations about a comeback. Reports indicated that he had spoken to team principals, including Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, exploring possible roles or race seats for the 2025 season. These discussions naturally reignited debates about his legacy, with some critics claiming Vettel only succeeded during his Red Bull era because he had the best car.
However, Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s team principal during Vettel’s championship-winning years, has refuted this notion. Horner highlighted Vettel’s racing intelligence, work ethic, and technical feedback as critical reasons behind Red Bull’s dominance between 2010 and 2013. According to Horner, Vettel’s contribution to the team’s success extended far beyond simply driving a fast car; his understanding of the sport and ability to extract performance made a significant difference.
Horner also weighed in on rumors of a possible return to Formula 1. While acknowledging Vettel’s passion for motorsport and the environment, he doubted the former champion would be willing to take on the demands of a modern F1 role, either as a driver or a manager. He stated Vettel is unlikely to commit to a full-time job that would take him away from his family or other interests, describing the German as a “free spirit.”
Helmut Marko, another key figure from Vettel’s Red Bull days, added that a return to the F1 grid, especially alongside current world champion Max Verstappen, might not be in Vettel’s best interest. Marko emphasized that Vettel chose to retire for family reasons and may not find the current F1 environment enjoyable or worthwhile.
In conclusion, while the idea of Vettel returning to Formula 1 continues to generate interest, the people who know him best believe it is highly unlikely. Furthermore, they remain firm in defending his legacy, rejecting claims that his success was merely the result of having the best car.
