09 August 2023 , 18:19
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Sebastian Vettel ruled out an imminent return to motorsport after he was linked with a Formula E seat.
The Formula 1 legend retired from the sport at the end of last season. He had spent two seasons racing for the Aston Martin team, having enjoyed remarkable success with Red Bull and also representing Ferrari.
But, at the age of 35, he was ready to spend more time with his wife and children. And the intense F1 schedule, with 24 races per season planned around world, was no longer compatible with that desire.
He was also very conscious about his environmental impact – an issue for which Vettel has developed great passion in recent years. F1 plans to become net-zero by 2030, but still has some way to go in that regard.
The German racer took part in the Race of Champions in the winter. Other than that, though, his driving appearances have been limited to show runs using carbon-neutral fuel, such as at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed.
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Vettel's desire for more of a personal life and his environmental passion have led to some speculation over how, if he were to return to motorsport, he would go about it. The most obvious solution would be the all-electric Formula E series, which has a less demanding schedule than F1.
And the rumour mill was sparked into action when ABT Cupra team boss Thomas Biermaier speculated over who might drive for his team next season. He did not specifically name Vettel, but his words when asked about who may replace the outgoing Robert Frijns conjured visions of the four-time F1 champion.
He said: "Maybe we will go to Switzerland. There are former drivers there who are committed to the environment and do a lot of sustainability. Maybe one of them will be in our car in the future."
But he later made it clear that he did not mean to reference Vettel and that words were "put in his mouth". And now Vettel himself has spoken to put an end to the speculation that he might be considering a Formula E drive in the near future.
"I am not in negotiations to run in Formula E with ABT Cupra or with any other team," he told the Spanish language edition of Motorsport.com. "Words have been put in my mouth, and I would like to clarify that I am not currently considering a return to motorsport."