Vettel would 'seriously consider' returning to F1 at Suzuka

Four-time F1 world champion Vettel announced in July that he would retire at the end of this season, ending a 15-year spell in the premier class.

That means this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix will be his last appearance at Suzuka , a track he has always named as his favorite and where he has taken four wins.

Vettel also claimed his second F1 title at Suzuka in 2011, admitting that compared to other years he feels “a little different” knowing that it is his last Japanese Grand Prix in Formula 1.

Asked by Motorsport.com if he had any interest in trying Japanese classes in the future so he could race again at Suzuka, Vettel admitted he “could never say never”.

“Obviously I love to drive, and at this circuit I have always felt very alive and the passion has always felt very alive,” Sebastian Vettel said.

“We’ll see what kind of car can come out in the future. Maybe some of the other guys that are in F1 will be unwell in future races, or I don’t know.

“I don’t want them to get sick! But I wouldn’t mind racing Suzuka again at any time.”

“But obviously we’ll see what the future holds. At the moment I don’t have any plans. I think there are some exciting races in Japan. I don’t know, we’ll see.”

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing, celebrates his second world championship with his team at the 2011 Japanese GP

Vettel confirmed that he was serious, although he smiled at the idea of returning for a single race.

“Yes, if anyone is willing to sign a driver for just one race!” he added.

“I’m sure the other drivers would not be happy to step aside. But it would be something I would seriously consider.”

Vettel claimed all four of his Suzuka victories with Red Bull, the first in 2009. He is also the most recent polesitter at the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix, when he was racing for Ferrari and qualifying was contested on Sunday morning by a typhoon.

The Aston Martin driver has maintained that he still has no plans beyond his retirement from F1, and at the end of November he will say goodbye to the category with his 300th and last grand prix, in Abu Dhabi .