“Definitely fun,” ex-F1 champion Sebastian Vettel delighted after first outing in Porsche Le Mans Hypercar

Sebastian Vettel had a successful test with Porsche at Spain's Aragon circuit, where the four-time world champion tested the 963 Hypercar.

“Definitely fun,” ex-F1 champion Sebastian Vettel delighted after first outing in Porsche Le Mans Hypercar

Sebastian Vettel (Via IMAGO), Sebastian Vettel testing the Porsche 963 (Via Penske Motorsport)

Sebastian Vettel is considered to be one of the greatest drivers in F1 history, The German driver won four consecutive world titles in the sport. The 36-year-old had taken a break from racing since his retirement from F1 in 2022. Vettel completed his first outing in Porsche 963 Hypercar in Spain’s Aragon Circuit with an impressive performance.

The former Ferrari driver highlighted that he had kept his eyes on various motorsports since his F1 retirement. Sebastian Vettel mentioned that he was in contact with multiple drivers competing in the World Endurance Championship and the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

I also keep an eye on other motorsport disciplines and know many drivers who are active in the WEC and Le Mans.
Sebastian Vettel said, as reported by Motorsport.com
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The four-time world champion claimed that he was curious to try out the new LMDh hypercars. WEC is currently in a new era with an influx of automakers including the likes of Porsche, BMW and Lamborghini. Sebastian Vettel highlighted that it was Porsche which gave him the chance to fulfill his wish with a test in the 963. Previously, Vettel was rumored to enter WEC with Jota-Porsche.

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At some point, my curiosity was so great that I had the idea of trying it out myself. Porsche gave me the opportunity to test a current hypercar with the 963.
Vettel continued

The 36-year-old claimed that after seat fitting and a simulator session back in Germany, the German driver was already feeling good about the test. Moreover, Sebastian Vettel admitted that he had a lot of fun driving the Porsche 963 at the Aragon circuit in Spain. Vettel completed 118 laps in the test.

After the seat adjustment, the simulator session and the roll-out in Weissach, I already had a good feeling. Driving the Porsche 963 on the track here in Aragon – that was definitely fun.
Sebastian Vettel expressed

Sebastian Vettel claims Porsche drivers made 963 outing ‘easy’

Driving an LMDh hypercar is rather different than an F1 car. Sebastian Vettel acknowledged that he needed to get into the rhythm and get used to the 963. The four-time world champion reckoned that the experience was massively different due to the closed cockpit of hypercars. Moreover, the weight of the 963 was around 300 kg more than a 2024 F1 car.

The driving experience is different simply because of the roof over your head, as well as dealing with the higher weight and the tires.
Vettel continued
Sebastian Vettel bei der Verleihung des 16. Deutschen Nachhaltigkeitspreises 2023 im Maritim Hotel. Düsseldorf, 24.11.2023 *** Sebastian Vettel at the presentation of the 16 German Sustainability Award 2023 at the Maritim Hotel Düsseldorf, 24 11 2023 Foto:xR.xSchmiegeltx/xFuturexImagex nachhaltigkeitspreis_3140

Additionally, Sebastian Vettel claimed that Porsche WEC drivers helped him in adjusting to the car. The entire Porsche line-up was present at the test, including WEC world champion and ex-F1 driver Andre Lotterer. Reigning DTM champion Thomas Preining was present at the test as well. The German driver revealed that he was informed about all the aspects he needed to be familiar with. As such, the former Ferrari driver admitted that his colleagues made the test easier at Aragon. 

The Porsche works drivers were very helpful and explained to me what was special and what I needed to get used to. That made it easy for me.
Sebastian Vettel concluded

Certainly, Sebastian Vettel was happy after his first-ever outing in the Porsche 963. The four-time world champion has not dismissed the possibility of racing at Le Mans this year. As such, fans might get to witness the German driver racing once again. Although, there has been no official confirmation about Vettel’s racing return so far.

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