Sebastian Vettel is no stranger to making quick and precise decisions — but this time, it’s his children who are in the driver’s seat.
The four-time Formula 1 world champion has been given a firm ban from the home front: he’s not allowed to return to racing.
Rumors of a potential comeback have swirled ever since Vettel said goodbye to the sport in 2022.
Audi F1 was long considered a likely destination, but the team opted to sign Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto instead.
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Red Bull was also mentioned — the team where Vettel reached his peak — but Helmut Marko shut the idea down.
According to Marko, it would be too risky for Vettel’s image to race against Max Verstappen.
In other words: the Dutchman would drive him straight out of the paddock.
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Not a Question of Competition
But according to Vettel, it’s not about ego or competition — it’s about family. His three children have made it clear they want him at home, and that’s a message he’s chosen to respect:
“My kids told me I’m not allowed to drive anymore,” he recently shared.
Since retiring, Vettel has embraced life outside the spotlight.
He speaks of a newfound calm and the joy of being a present and engaged father.
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It’s clear that life away from Formula 1 has brought him something he isn’t willing to trade for another season on the grid.
That said, he’s not done with motorsport altogether.
Vettel has left the door open to future adventures — possibly in endurance racing like Le Mans. Within Formula 1, he’s even been mentioned as a potential successor to Helmut Marko in Red Bull’s driver development program.
Whether he’s seriously considering it, though, remains to be seen:
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“These are big questions without quick answers,” was all he would say.
For now, family peace has won out and the racing suit stays in the closet.
Source: Motorsport.Nexgen
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