Thu Sep 12 01:00:01 UTC 2024: ## Vettel’s Return to F1 Remains Uncertain: Newey Casts Doubt on Speculation

**Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing’s Chief Technical Officer and one of the most influential figures in Formula 1, has poured cold water on speculation surrounding Sebastian Vettel’s potential return to the sport.**

Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Newey expressed his belief that the four-time world champion is content with his post-racing life. He revealed a recent conversation with Vettel, who is currently traveling through Norway in his motorhome. “I can’t see that [a return] happening,” Newey said. “He’s enjoying his life. He’s moved on and doing different things.”

Vettel retired from F1 at the end of the 2022 season after a challenging three-year spell. However, rumors of a comeback have persisted, linking him to teams like Mercedes, Red Bull, and most recently, Audi, who are set to take over Sauber in 2026.

While Vettel himself has acknowledged conversations with several teams, including Mercedes, he has maintained that a return is not a priority. “I retired from Formula 1 not to come back, but I also did say that you never know,” he said in April. “So I think it still stands.”

Despite Newey’s assessment, Audi’s Head, Mattia Binotto, has publicly expressed admiration for Vettel, stating that he appreciates the driver’s “greatness as a person even before as a driver.”

With Audi yet to confirm a partner for Nico Hulkenberg next year, speculation around Vettel’s potential involvement with the team has intensified. However, Newey’s comments, coupled with Vettel’s own nuanced stance on a comeback, suggest that a return to the grid remains highly unlikely.

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