Sebastian Vettel admits it is ‘hard to watch’ F1 cars from the sidelines after his retirement

Sebastian Vettel is attending the Japanese GP as part of the awareness campaign.

Sebastian Vettel admits it is ‘hard to watch’ F1 cars from the sidelines after his retirement

Sebastian Vettel walking in front of Pierre Gasly and Charles Leclerc. (image via IMAGO)

Sebastian Vettel has won four Drivers’ Championships during his prime. Unfortunately, Vettel decided to retire from the sport at the end of 2022 after spending a couple of years with underwhelming machinery. Now, the 36-year-old German has admitted that he finds it difficult to watch Formula 1 cars hit the track from the sidelines.

Vettel is attending the Japanese GP this weekend with an initiative to raise awareness for bees. The German driver had expected the weekend to be a tough one as he saw cars going past at one of the most iconic tracks. Sebastian Vettel reaffirmed that Suzuka remains his favorite circuit. Moreover, the four-time champion hinted once again that a return to the sport is never off the table.

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The 36-year-old told Sky Germany, “I knew it would be hard to watch here. Of course, it’s extremely difficult here. After all, it’s my favorite track and I said it last time: I would never mind a comeback just for here.” Vettel highlighted the fact that he could remember how it feels to be behind the wheel of these beasts whenever he sees a car on the track. He said, “I mean, it’s tough just standing here now knowing how it feels when you’re in the car now.”

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Also Read: Lewis Hamilton brands Sebastian Vettel as the ‘most outspoken’ driver in F1 history 

Will Sebastian Vettel return to F1?

Sebastian Vettel announced his shock F1 retirement last year. The German driver still possesses immense passion and love for the sport. As such, Vettel has reinstated his interest in a potential return time and time again. Previously, rumors had even surfaced in the paddock that the 36-year-old would be an ideal fit for Audi‘s 2026 F1 entry.

Sebastian Vettel with most of the drivers on the 2023 grid.
Sebastian Vettel with most of the drivers on the 2023 grid (image via F1)

On the other hand, there had been speculation about Vettel potentially taking a managerial role in the sport. Many in the paddock believed that Sebastian Vettel could spearhead F1’s drive towards sustainability. The 36-year-old has been pushing for sustainable fuels for some time now with his occasional ‘Race without a Trace’ runs in some iconic machinery.

Sebastian Vettel hasn’t yet felt the urge to return to top-tier motorsport. While he’s open to coming back as a driver, the four-time world champion is currently enjoying his break from racing. So, fans might need to be patient if they want to see him in Formula 1 once more.

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