Sebastian Vettel 'given extra time' to make major decision about his F1 future

02 February 2023 , 17:03

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Vettel could still play a role in F1 this year despite having retired as a driver (Image: Getty Images)

Sebastian Vettel may have retired from driving in Formula 1, but as it stands he will still be involved in the sport this season.

Vettel ended his time driving in the sport last November. His farewell appearance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the end of an incredible F1 career which yielded 53 race wins and drivers' world championship titles.

His presence on the grid and in the paddock will be greatly missed. But the drivers who will carry on in the sport without the German may still experience the benefits of his leadership this season, and perhaps even beyond.

As it stands Vettel is still a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association. It's a role he shares with Mercedes star George Russell and lawyer Anastasia Fowle. Former F1 driver Alexander Wurz has been chairman since 2014.

As evidenced by Wurz and Fowle's places among the GPDA leadership, it is not necessary to be a current driver to be part of the group. So Vettel, should he desire, will be able to continue playing a role in the organisation which looks after racers' interests.

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According to F1 reporter Sam Cooper, Vettel "has not yet decided" whether or not he would like to continue in the role. He has been given until the start of the new season to come to a decision, and will be replaced by the winner of a vote due to take place at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on the last weekend in April.

In the aftermath of his retirement announcement last year, F1 drivers made it clear they would like to see Vettel continue his GPDA role. "Maybe we'll see if he wants to continue – certainly he's done a good job," said Daniel Ricciardo.

The Aussie added: "Seb is a guy that a lot of the time just says it as it is – that's not in aggressive way, he's just very honest and direct. On topics like safety we don't need to beat around the bush. So, I think his character is really good for that position."

Esteban Ocon described the four-time champion as "a great ambassador of all drivers" who was never afraid to raise his voice. And Valtteri Bottas said it would be "quite hard to replace" the German.

Daniel Moxon