Audi boss breaks silence on rumors over signing Sebastian Vettel for 2025

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel retired from Formula 1 at the end of 2022. The German driver wanted to spend more time with his family. However, there have been rumors that Vettel could potentially return to the sport as early as 2025 with Audi’s Sauber F1 team. Now, Audi’s F1 Chief Mattia Binotto has responded to this speculation.

Red Bull team boss Helmut Marko had suggested that Vettel could be a good fit for the German carmaker. Mattia Binotto has worked with the four-time world champion in the past at Ferrari. The Audi boss stated that he loved working with Sebastian Vettel and shared a great relationship at Maranello.

I love Sebastian – I know him very well from the past, and I appreciate working with him.

Mattia Binotto told Sky Sports F1

Binotto further mentioned that he was well aware of Vettel’s character as a person as well as a driver. The 37-year-old has spent time away from racing since 2022. However, the German driver did test out Porsche’s Hypercar project for a possible future entry at Le Mans.

I know how strong he is as a person and as a driver.

Mattia Binotto stated

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Mattia Binotto in no rush to make driver call for 2025

Nico Hulkenberg will be racing for Audi’s Sauber team in F1 next season. However, the other seat remains open for the time being. Mattia Binotto made it clear that he had only been with the team for a couple of weeks. As such, the former Ferrari boss will take his own time to understand the situation and make the call accordingly.

I’ve only been here for a few weeks. I have to understand everything first, look around, listen, and at some point, we will have to make a decision.

Mattia Binotto asserted

Certainly, Mattia Binotto understands the F1 driver market from his time at Ferrari. The Italian will leave no stone unturned to grab the best driver available for the Audi F1 project. However, it is unclear if Sebastian Vettel could really return to the pinnacle of motorsport next year.

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