Mar.2 (GMM) Toto Wolff has described Sebastian Vettel as a “big” of Method 1, because the quadruple world champion as soon as once more refuses to rule out the prospect of a sensational return.
Since Lewis Hamilton determined to vacate his Mercedes seat for 2025 with a change to Ferrari, rumblings that Vettel, 36, may see it as the proper alternative to stage a comeback have emerged.
“Toto Wolff hasn’t known as me,” the German driver advised Neue Zurcher Zeitung newspaper, “however we’ve exchanged a couple of textual content messages.
“Thus far it’s not a difficulty for me, additionally as a result of at 36 I nonetheless have loads of time.”
Certainly, Vettel insists that whereas watching the races from dwelling is commonly onerous, he has no regrets about hanging up his helmet following a troublesome stint at Aston Martin in 2022.
“I feel I’ve discovered and understood loads on this one yr with out racing, together with about myself,” he mentioned. “Being on the opposite aspect has had a huge impact on me – lots of questions have come up.
“Thus far there aren’t any lively plans,” Vettel insisted. However when requested if that’s a transparent ‘no’ to the prospect of a return to F1, he answered: “No.
“I imagine that all the pieces is a course of, and perhaps there’ll come a degree after I say ‘sure, I’d like to return’. However in the intervening time I’m doing very nicely with out driving in Method 1.
“There’s no agency no, no agency sure,” Vettel added, revealing that he’ll shortly go for a “medical examine”, which is “obligatory if you wish to hold your racing license”.
When requested about Vettel’s potential curiosity in returning to F1, Mercedes boss Wolff advised Sky Deutschland in Bahrain: “Sebastian is a good man and a large of this sport.
“I feel he nonetheless has the pace as nicely. After three or 4 races we’ve to determine whether or not we go for youth or expertise. Or can we optimise within the quick time period and provides the youth extra time to realize expertise,” the Austrian added.
Wolff can be not categorically ruling out Mick Schumacher as an possibility.
“Mick can be a part of it,” he answered, “however nearly to the purpose that I really feel sorry for him. As a result of the whole driver market is open and he’s considered one of many attainable candidates, however not the one one.”
