F1 legend Sebastian Vettel takes up NEW role as racing comeback verdict given

David Coulthard speaks to Sebastian Vettel on the F1 grid — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 Legends

Vettel takes up NEW role as F1 comeback verdict given

Sebastian Vettel retired from Formula 1 in 2022

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Monday 17 February 2025 17:00

A potential Formula 1 comeback for four-time champion Sebastian Vettel has been given a brutal verdict, as the German legend takes up a new challenge.

Vettel retired from F1 in 2022, having suffered two seasons of lower midfield running at Aston Martin after being replaced at Ferrari in 2020.

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As his dreams of a fifth world championship title began to fade, Vettel used his last few years in the sport for good, regularly highlighting social and environmental issues around the world.

Since retirement, Vettel has implemented some of his environmental strategies to the racetrack, including a bee sanctuary at Suzuka, the home of the Japanese Grand Prix.

Sebastian Vettel has an incredible F1 legacy

Sebastian Vettel introduced his 'bee hotel' in 2023

Will Vettel make an F1 return?

Following Audi’s takeover of Sauber and their entry into F1 for 2026, there was speculation Vettel could join the German manufacturer.

However, Vettel is preoccupied with another endeavour instead of making a comeback to the sport, with the champion studying in Switzerland for his agricultural degree.

In spring 2025, Vettel will have to take two more exams before he can officially call himself a farmer, but has revealed the impetus for starting the project and its links to his climate activism.

"I am fascinated by the potential in agriculture, also for the climate, for the changes and challenges that we all face," Vettel said on his new project.

David Coulthard urges Sebastian Vettel not to make a F1 comeback

Whether Vettel stages a comeback following the conclusion of his degree is another matter, but former Red Bull driver David Coulthard delivered a brutal verdict on whether the champion should return to F1.

"He should give it up and stop dreaming that he will be faster after taking a few years off," Coulthard said in a YouTube video with Lucas Stewart.

NASCAR Ferrari Formula 1 Aston Martin Daytona 500 Sebastian Vettel