2025 F1

Red Bull Hints at Vettel’s Potential Return to F1 with Audi

Published

5 months ago

August 20, 2024

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2026 Formula 1 driver line-up market is heating up as speculation spins around who will join Nico Hulkenberg at Audi’s new venture next year. Reports from Britain’s “The Sun” suggest that Mick Schumacher, the young German driver, is being seriously considered for the coveted seat at Sauber, which will be rebranded as Audi.

“Vettel harmonised perfectly with Jonathan Wheatley (at Red Bull) in the past,” the newspaper explained, “and he also knows Mattia Binotto from his time at Ferrari.”

Adding fuel to the fire, Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing advisor, hinted in an interview with “Osterreich” newspaper that a familiar face might be making a comeback. “The German Sebastian Vettel is still pushing for a return to Formula 1,” Marko revealed, sparking widespread excitement among fans who have long awaited the potential return of the retired four-time world champion.

Meanwhile, current Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas is also positioning himself as a strong candidate to stay with the team. The Finn, who is currently enjoying some time in California, recently posted a photo on social media alongside an Audi R8, emblazoned with his signature race number 77—a subtle nod, perhaps, to his desire to remain in the seat as Audi transitions into F1.

The Finn has expressed optimism about the potential impact of new management on his future with the team. “It is going to reset the talks a bit, because we have previously been in communication with Andreas (Seidl) and Oliver (Hoffmann) and now it’s Mattia,” Bottas commented. “So yeah, for sure that will change some things, so we need to speak.”

Mika Salo, a former F1 driver and fellow Finn, believes Bottas still has a fighting chance to retain his spot with the team, especially given his involvement in the early stages of Audi’s F1 project. “When I moved to Toyota, nothing already existed,” Salo shared with Iltalehti newspaper. “It wasn’t easy, and then I got fired in the middle of it all. I hope Valtteri will be able to reap the benefits.”

Salo also downplayed the speculation linking Bottas with a move to Alpine, suggesting that staying with Audi could be the better option. “Alpine is still being speculated, but I don’t really see any point in moving there. It would be better if he could continue where he is already,” Salo added, highlighting the continuity and stability that Bottas might benefit from.

As the gossips continue to swirl, the F1 world eagerly awaits confirmation of who will secure the prized Audi seat, with Vettel, Schumacher, and Bottas all in the spotlight.

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Hamilton’s Ferrari move not a F1 retirement strategy – Elkann

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2025 F1

Hamilton’s Ferrari move not a F1 retirement strategy – Elkann

Published

5 months ago

August 19, 2024

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In a move that has sent effects through the F1 world, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, will leave Mercedes at the end of the year to join Ferrari, uniting with Charles Leclerc. This decision, which has led to the departure of the in-form Carlos Sainz from the Italian F1 squad.

The Italian automotive gain, Ferrari’s chairman John Elkann has been quick to quash any speculation that Hamilton’s switch to the iconic Italian team is a precursor to his retirement. “He is certainly not coming to Ferrari to enjoy retirement,” Elkann highlighted to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

This statement comes amid growing discussions about Hamilton’s future in the sport, especially as the British driver approaches his 40th birthday. Despite his age, Hamilton’s determination to secure an unprecedented eighth world championship remains undiminished.

Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko remarked on Sainz’s situation, expressing sympathy for the Spaniard. “It’s tragic that he (Sainz) is having his best season at Ferrari and is not getting a seat in a top team,” Marko remarked to Speed Week. Sainz’s move to Williams, however, could be temporary, with a potential escape clause in his contract allowing for a transfer to a higher-placed team.

Despite Hamilton’s occasional musings on retirement, he remains focused on the challenge ahead. In an interview with Esquire, Hamilton reflected on his career strategy, saying, “I do have mentally a plan of where I would like to extend to. I’ve just got to strategise and sequence things.”

Leclerc, for his part, sees Hamilton’s arrival as a valuable opportunity. “It’s going to be a great opportunity to learn from one of the best ever,” he told Gentleman’s Journal. The Monegasque driver also expressed his eagerness to prove himself alongside the seasoned champion.

The new Ferrari pairing is expected to draw significant attention next season, with many curious about how the relationship between the two drivers will unfold. Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya offered his perspective to *F1 Maximaal*, saying, “I think they will build a good relationship. I think it will definitely be interesting, and it will definitely be interesting how Ferrari is going to manage that situation.”

Montoya also noted the stark difference in achievements between the two drivers, highlighting the potential for a competitive edge. “Lewis has won seven world titles. How many wins does Charles have? Six? In what, six years? Both drivers will be fascinating to follow. We’ll find out,” he concluded.

As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Ferrari, not only to see how Hamilton and Leclerc will work together but also to determine if Hamilton’s move will bring the success that both he and Ferrari crave.