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Sebastian Vettel as a visitor at Formula 1 in Suzuka
Photo: Clive Rose / Getty Images
At the end of 2022, Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement from Formula 1 after four world championship titles. Now the 36-year-old has opened the door for a comeback in motorsport, albeit on a different terrain. His return would probably not take place in the premier class, but in the World Sportscar Championship with the highlight of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
"So far, nothing has been signed or decided, but I have the matter in the back of my mind. I still have time to decide," Vettel told the trade magazine auto motor und sport.
"If at some point I should come to the conclusion that it is not possible without racing, then I will drive again," Vettel explained. Last week, rumours surfaced in France that he could play a test in Spain for the British Jota team in early October. At Jota, ex-Formula 1 drivers Robert Kubica and Jenson Button are apparently also in discussion.
Vettel, who was back at Formula 1 last weekend at Suzuka for the first time since his retirement, had repeatedly outed himself as a fan of endurance races and especially the classic Le Mans during his active days.
Should Vettel decide to take this step, he could race against his buddy Mick Schumacher next year. Bruno Famin, Vice President of Alpine Motorsport and interim head of the Formula 1 racing team, confirmed in Suzuka that he was in talks with the 24-year-old about a possible involvement in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Famin also spoke of the possibility of a test, but it still needs to be organized.
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