Former Aston Martin strategist claims Sebastian Vettel might be ‘pulled back’ to F1 amidst comeback rumors

Sebastian Vettel retired from Formula 1 at the end of 2022. The German driver won four world titles during his long and successful career. The 36-year-old has enjoyed time with his family since. However, there have been rumors of the four-time world champion potentially returning to the sport. Now, former Aston Martin Strategist Bernie Collins has given a potential reason for Vettel’s interest in a comeback.

The four-time world champion recently tested the Porsche 963 Hypercar and has admitted that he is flirting with the idea of an F1 return. Sebastian Vettel has been rumored to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Collins suggested that this was a possibility.

I think he would [return to F1]

Bernie Collins said on The Fast and The Curious Podcast (H&T: RacingNews365)

Bernie Collins claimed all racing drivers have a certain drive within them since they have been involved in motorsport for decades. The former strategist highlighted that most drivers start karting at a very young age when their passion for racing develops.

I think that all of them have that drive within them, and all of them have been doing this for the past X number of years. Not even their F1 career – like their karting career, their junior career, they’ve been doing it for so long.

Bernie Collins explained

Collins pointed out that it has been less than two years since Sebastian Vettel left Formula 1. The Briton claimed that if Vettel had not filled the void, he would feel some sort of a pullback to the pinnacle of motorsport.

So, he stepped away [from F1] less than I did [sic], a year and a half ago. Unless you very quickly fill that void, I imagine for all of them, there’s that sort of slight pullback.

Bernie Collins noted

Bernie Collins claims Sebastian Vettel could ‘hit the ground running’ with the right opportunity

The Briton took a break from her role as a strategist in F1 after eight years in the pitlane. Bernie Collins claimed that if she was given the chance to return for even a single race, she would be willing to be back at the pit wall. Subsequently, Collins highlighted that this feeling would be much higher for someone like Sebastian Vettel who had raced for almost three decades.

Thinking of me, when you think if someone said, ‘Oh, you can get on the pit wall for strategy and do one more race’, I’d probably do it. So if that’s me, and I had only been doing strategy for eight years, he’s going to be like someone says, ‘Oh, you can get in this reasonably fast car for a year’ he’d be like, ‘Yeah.’

Bernie Collins explained

Bernie Collins highlighted that Vettel decided to prioritize his family and personal life during his final stint in F1. As Aston Martin failed to give him a great car. Moreover, the ex-F1 strategist insisted that if the German driver was given the right opportunity, the four-time world champion would be on pace from the get-go.

He was racing in Aston Martin, the car wasn’t performing as expected, he was trying to prioritise his home life, his kids, stuff like that – very important. So I think, if you’re then given an opportunity to get into a car that you know is going to hit the ground running.

Bernie Collins concluded

Sebastian Vettel has not ruled out the possibility of returning to Formula 1. Although, the four-time world champion is content with his lifestyle since retirement. Nevertheless, the German driver might be ready to race in the sport again if he is given a good car. Certainly, millions of fans would love to see Vettel make a comeback in F1.

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