Sebastian Vettel has been linked with a return to Purple Bull, the place he gained all 4 of his F1 titles
Sebastian Vettel’s rumoured comeback to F1 has seemingly been dismissed by Purple Bull. The four-time world champion hung up his helmet in 2022 and had been touted for a shock return to the paddock following Helmut Marko’s departure from the group after they misplaced out on the Drivers’ Championship.
McLaren’s Lando Norris clinched the title, denying Max Verstappen a fifth straight crown. As a beloved determine at Purple Bull throughout his racing days, mixed along with his curiosity in pursuing a administration function, Vettel appeared ideally positioned to succeed Marko. But in response to BILD, there shall be no fairytale homecoming for the German, with the group having no speedy plans to nominate anybody to the advisor function Marko held.
Since stepping away from racing, Vettel has remained linked to the game whereas utilizing his profile to advertise environmental initiatives. Talking to Sky Sports activities F1 on the Sao Paolo Grand Prix, he addressed hypothesis a couple of attainable return.
“I do not know, I learn as nicely there was plenty of discuss it and so forth, and I did converse with Helmut a bit of bit, nevertheless it by no means bought anyplace, by no means gained any traction,” he stated.
“I do not know, if the suitable alternative, place, perspective, no matter, turns up or may flip up, perhaps there is a function that I could possibly be pleased to step as much as. Time will inform.”
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Vettel’s post-racing life has turn out to be firmly rooted in environmental activism, with two main tasks taking centre stage. Probably the most distinguished is F1REST, an modern initiative utilizing artwork to shine a highlight on susceptible ecosystems throughout the globe.
On his web site, the four-time world champion defined his mission: “I am again in Brazil. Final yr I’ve travelled right here to see and uncover the Amazon rainforest, meet the indigenous folks. I used to be very welcomed to their dwelling. I noticed how stunning it’s and the way numerous and wealthy it’s, however I additionally noticed how fragile it’s and the way pressing it’s to guard it.”
“Now, this yr, I am coming again. And with F1REST – drawn collectively, I need all of us to attract a tree. All of the drivers, followers, children, previous folks, younger folks, folks from totally different backgrounds. Everyone seems to be invited to attract their very personal tree and gathering them. And plenty of bushes make forests and make our stunning numerous F1 forests.”
“That is why I am right here and that is what I am making an attempt to do. Attempting to lift consciousness solely by seeing how wealthy and lively these ecosystems are, we are able to begin to care. And if we begin to care, we are able to heal.”
Final month, Vettel appeared as a visitor presenter at The Earthshot Prize 2025 ceremony held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was joined by soccer icon Cafu in a star-studded line-up.
Prince William additionally attended the occasion, the place he enthusiastically participated within the F1REST venture by portray his personal tree and including his signature to the paintings.
One other of Vettel’s tasks, Buzzin’ Nook, was launched two years in the past on the second flip of Japan’s legendary Suzuka circuit. The venture focuses on setting up insect resorts to spotlight the essential significance of biodiversity.
Working alongside the circuit administration, Vettel ensured the within kerbs had been painted yellow and black to attract consideration to the trigger. Taking to Instagram, he defined: “There’s one particular factor about this nook this weekend, the kerbs are painted in yellow and black. That is distinctive as a result of all the opposite kerbs, for instance on the entrance of the nook, are painted in white and crimson.
“It’s extremely totally different and the explanation for that’s as a result of along with Buzzin’ Nook we’re racing for biodiversity. With this venture I wish to create consciousness across the significance and topic of biodiversity.”
The previous F1 champion’s Instagram feed is stuffed with environmental points, always highlighting pressing ecological challenges. He lately flew over the Amazon at Piaraçu, exposing the devastating influence of unlawful mining operations, which have torn by way of huge swathes of rainforest.
Vettel likened the scene to “having an inside to hell”. The flyover shaped a part of a broader social media push the place he championed Amazon safety below the banner “Respect the Amazon” throughout a number of posts.
His newest efforts centre on the F1REST initiative, which has even seen fellow F1 drivers sketch their very own bushes for show within the FIA storage.
