Sebastian Vettel is open to racing competitively in 2024 – and could do it alongside decorated F1 race winners.
Sebastian Vettel captured the attention of F1’s paddock last weekend in Japan, making a rare appearance since retiring last season. Alongside the promotion of his environmental projects, the 4-time World Champion spoke candidly about spending time away from Formula 1.
To the simultaneous heartbreak and excitement of fans, Vettel admitted that he misses the thrill of racing. This is especially true of Japan’s Suzuka circuit, which is a well-established favourite for the German driver. Although he never made a commitment to racing return next season, there were certainly indications an itch needs to be scratched.
Vettel is only 36 years old, so when considering the performances of Fernando Alonso (42) and Lewis Hamilton (38) in 2023 – there is almost certainly more in the tank. The window of opportunity, therefore, is open for the foreseeable future.
Early Contract Talks
Whilst a return to Formula 1 seems further away, there are concrete reports that the World Champion could compete in the World Endurance Championship next year. According to the German outlet AMuS, Vettel has started negotiations with JOTA about competing in the World Endurance Championship.
Even more enticingly for F1 fans, Jenson Button and Robert Kubica are understood to be in talks with this WEC team. Although a driver line-up with all three drivers is far from guaranteed, it remains a real possibility.
An agreement with JOTA would see Sebastian Vettel compete in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. He would join a growing list of drivers to take an interest in the WEC – which became a huge topic of conversation after Ferrari’s victory this year.
The addition of big manufacturers to WEC’s 2024 entry list, including the likes of Porsche and Alpine, could make next year’s 24-hour race more star-studded than ever. Mick Schumacher is also in talks to join WEC, currently heavily linked with an Alpine move.
Although World Endurance is a reputable Championship in its own right, the presence of Formula 1 drivers can only increase its viewership and popularity.
Returning specifically to Sebastian Vettel, JOTA will be holding testing sessions at the end of the year. If the two parties are serious about reaching an agreement, he will almost certainly feature.
The Potential to Make History
In recent years, Formula 1 drivers have been increasingly isolated from other racing series. Unlike in previous decades, the demands of a 23-race calendar make it difficult for drivers to have other commitments. Earning an F1 team’s permission to race in Le Mans is no easy feat either.
There is also the added pressure of representing the widely acclaimed pinnacle of motorsport. For the drivers who have taken this risk, however, the rewards have often been great. On the current 2023 F1 field, only two drivers have completed this event.
Nico Hulkenberg was the first, claiming an unlikely victory in his first attempt. Several years later, Fernando Alonso won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Toyota.
Although it is premature to discuss these feats for Vettel already, the prospect of racing at the highest level could surely entice him to sign a full-time WEC contract for 2024.
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