The possibility of Sebastian Vettel making a return to Formula 1 has become a popular topic in German media, especially with an unconfirmed seat for Sauber/Audi from 2025.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko provided insight into these rumors, offering his perspective on the matter.
Marko revealed his skepticism about the German driver’s potential comeback as a driver to the media, despite the frequent mentions of his name in connection with various teams, including Sauber (set to be rebranded as Audi in 2026).
Marko, who played a significant role in Vettel’s career during his dominant years at Red Bull, dismissed the idea of Vettel returning to the track, stating:
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“I have had no contact with him for a while. He is in an area without mobile phones or where planes go, somewhere in the north. I haven’t actually heard from him for the last three months.”
Vettel became a household name in the F1 community by securing Red Bull Racing’s first driver world title in 2010, an achievement that cemented both his and the team’s place in racing history.
Marko also confessed that he had considered bringing Vettel back to Red Bull in a supporting role after his retirement, but this idea has not come to fruition. The speculation about Vettel’s return, especially tying him to Sauber/Audi, lacks concrete evidence.
Following his retirement, the four-time champion explained to the media earlier in the year:
“I’m having thoughts that are crossing my mind and thinking about [a return].
“But at this stage, my mindset generally hasn’t changed so it really depends on what’s coming up.
“I’m following the sport and at the minute there’s quite a lot of movement when it comes to drivers, driver market and so on.
“I’m obviously in contact with a lot of people still. I’m speaking as well to Toto [Wolff] every now and then.
“It depends I guess but at the minute it’s not the number one priority.”
Vettel also commented in a separate interview earlier this year when asked about the possibility of a return to F1:
“It is a decision that I take for myself, but I take for the family as well.
“The kids have already said that they love it the way it is now. They wouldn’t really support big time to go back, but they said that without [me] asking, to be honest.
“Depending on the car, it will be something that we discuss together obviously.”