F1 Rumour: Sebastian Vettel Contemplating Racing Return After "Concrete Offer"
Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel is reportedly contemplating a return to the racetrack after receiving an enticing offer from the British Jota team for the World Endurance Championship in 2024.
Key Takeaways:
- The British Jota team has extended a "concrete offer" to Sebastian Vettel to drive in the hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship in an LMP2 prototype.
- Vettel, while not confirming the rumours, has indicated that he's considering the offer and hasn't ruled out a return to racing.
- Other notable names like Robert Kubica, Jenson Button, Mick Schumacher, and Valentino Rossi are also linked with the World Endurance Championship in various capacities.
Listen To The Latest Driven Mad Podcast Episode
Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement from Formula 1 at the end of the 2022 season. However, it seems the allure of the racetrack might be too hard for the German driver to resist. According to Auto Motor Und Sport, Vettel has received a "concrete offer" from the British Jota team to test next month, potentially securing a seat for the 2024 World Endurance Championship. If he accepts, he would be teaming up with Antonio Felix da Costa and Will Stevens in the hyperclass class, driving an LMP2 prototype.
When probed about these rumours during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, Vettel neither confirmed nor denied them. He stated:
"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. If at some point I should come to the conclusion that it won't work without racing, then I'll drive again.”
The British Jota team is gearing up for the World Endurance Championship next year with two Porsche 963s. They're not the only ones eyeing big names for their lineup. Robert Kubica, another former F1 driver, is reportedly in talks with them. Jenson Button is also expected to compete in the hypercar class, while Mick Schumacher is on Alpine/Renault's radar. Nyck de Vries might represent Toyota in select races, and Valentino Rossi, a motorsport legend, is set to drive for BMW in the LMGT class.
