Sebastian Vettel has officially announced that his Formula 1 career is now complete. The former champion, who retired at the end of the 2022 season, acknowledged that while there has been speculation about a potential return, specifically to Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship (WEC), he is firmly stepping away from F1.
In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, the 38-year-old shared that he has reflected on a possible return to competitive racing. Although he previously didn’t have much interest in endurance racing, his perspective has shifted. He expressed enthusiasm for the team dynamics in WEC, noting the appeal of sharing a car and working collaboratively, which aligns better with his current lifestyle as a family man.
Vettel aptly noted the structured nature of WEC, with its eight races, which is appealing compared to the full F1 calendar. While he is open to new opportunities in motorsport, he emphasized the importance of commitment and that simply participating without full dedication is not his style.
In his closing remarks, Vettel expressed his views on the changing dynamics within the sport, appreciating the emergence of new talent on the grid. He believes it is important to make space for younger drivers, signaling that he is content to pass the torch, stating, “At some point, the time is right to leave the field to others.”
Vettel’s journey in F1 has been remarkable, and while he may not be racing in F1 anymore, his potential involvement in other racing formats could offer fans new opportunities to see him compete once again in the future.
In the realm of motorsport, this transition highlights the balance between legacy and the promise of the new generation, encapsulating the essence of evolution in the sport.