Sebastian Vettel allegedly got rejected by Audi amidst F1 return rumors
Since Sebastian Vettel's retirement in 2022, there has been rumors about a potential return, but later reports reveal a different tale.
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Sebastian Vettel and Audi F1 showcar (via IMAGO)
Audi is all set to join the Formula 1 grid in 2026, after acquiring Sauber. The German carmaker has conformed new signings for leadership roles of the team alongside the drivers’ lineup, featuring veteran Nico Hülkenberg. There were rumors that Sebastian Vettel will return to form an all-German line-up. But latest reports reveals that the team allegedly rejected the ex-Red Bull driver.
Sebastian Vettel retired from Formula 1 in 2022 following a streak of disappointing performances with Aston Martin. The four-time champion was expected to join Audi in 2026, mainly due to the team’s wishes to acquire a German driver. However, they decided to lock in Nico Hulkenberg alongside Gabriel Bortoleto for the debut season.
According to F1 insider, Vettel had no reason to not return to Formula 1 with Audi. Their former team boss Andreas Seidl and team principal Mattia Binoto both were against the entry of the four-time champion.
Vettel linked to sensational F1 comeback – report:
— This is Formula 1 (@ThisIsFormu1a1) February 14, 2025
— After retiring from Formula 1 at the end of 2022, Sebastian Vettel is reportedly considering a return to the sport.
— The four-time world champion, who won his titles with Red Bull, spent his last two seasons at Aston Martin… pic.twitter.com/F1hVGHHn27
Despite the rejection, the German dreams of returning to racing in the pinnacle of motorsport according to the same source. Time will tell if the Ex-Ferrari star receive an opportunity to race in the championship again, though its highly unlikely to happen.
Sebastian Vettel reportedly tried to race at Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen
Sebastian Vettel achieved massive success with Red Bull after winning four consecutive titles. However, the German left the team in 2015 and never joined the Austrian constructor again. Helmut Marko revealed that the 37-year-old attempted to re-enter the sport with Milton Keynes and race alongside Max Verstappen.
Marko believed that Vettel racing alongside Verstappen would not have made sense. Moreover, the Austrian insisted that to ‘protect’ the four-time champion’s reputation, the move wasn’t made. As such, the 81-year-old declined the move and did not allow the German to enter the Austrian team.
Sebastian would have liked to drive alongside Max Verstappen. But that would have made no sense, also to protect him. Max would have hit him clearly and damaged Sebastian’s reputation. I couldn’t and didn’t want to allow that.
Helmut Marko told f1-insider.com.
Audi has a lot of work pending in order to achieve success as soon as 2026. The German carmaker will join alongside the 11th team, General Motors and it would be interesting to see which teams will finish the year in the better spot.
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Aditya Pandya
(1534 Articles Published)