Steven Tee/Motorsport Images
Vettel would return to F1 for one-off race at Suzuka
Sebastian Vettel says he would return to Formula 1 for a one-off appearance if given the chance to compete again at the Japanese Grand Prix in future.
The four-time world champion is retiring at the end of this season and makes his last visit to Suzuka this weekend before stepping away from F1. Despite that, he says he’d be open to racing at the iconic venue in a different category such as Super GT or Super Formula, but also would hope for a call-up if a replacement was ever needed in Formula 1.
“I guess (Super GT and Super Formula) are racing in Suzuka as well, so I don't know,” Vettel said. “Never say never. I mean, it is a great track for many, many reasons. And who knows what the future brings? I don't know. Obviously I love driving and I think around this track I always felt very alive and the passion feels very alive. So we will see what type of car maybe in the future will come up.
“Maybe one of the guys, in the future, who races here will feel a bit sick, I don't know. I don't wish them to feel so, but I wouldn't mind jumping back in for a race in Suzuka at any time! We'll see what the future brings. At the moment, I have no plans. But I think there are some exciting races happening in Japan -- we'll see.”
Asked to clarify if he was serious, Vettel added: “About a one-race career in the future? Yeah. If anybody's happy to sign up a driver for a single race. I'm sure those guys wouldn't be happy to step aside but it would be something I would seriously consider.”
Vettel admits there is something special about Suzuka that makes it feel more poignant that he is making his last visit to the circuit as an F1 driver.
“I’ve always loved the track. I think it stands out. It's my favorite track on the calendar. The calendars have changed over so many years… we've added other tracks but from the very first time this has been a special place for me.
“I think just the layout of corner, the first sector. It's iconic -- it's a figure-eight track, the only one we have, plus then the atmosphere you know? The attention the sport gets when we come here is crazy.
“So, lots of very nice memories. I know that it will be my last time in other places too but here it does feel a bit different somehow. But I look forward to the sessions that we have, every single one of them, and the race on Sunday.”
Presented by:
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
Read Chris Medland's articles
Latest News
Comments
Comments are disabled until you accept Social Networking Cookies. Update cookie preferences
If the dialog doesn't appear, ad-blockers are often the cause; try disabling yours or see our Social Features Support.