Nico Rosberg casts verdict as Sebastian Vettel opens door to Formula 1 comeback

Jamie Woodhouse
Sebastian Vettel at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. July 2023.

Sebastian Vettel at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. July 2023.

Nico Rosberg believes his compatriot and four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel is right to remain open to a Formula 1 return and says the fans would love to see it happen.

Vettel called time on his illustrious career in Formula 1 at the end of 2022, bowing out of the series following a two-year spell withAston Martin.

But, still aged only 36, Vettel would be far from the oldest driver if he were still on the Formula 1 grid now, withFernando Alonsotopping that particular chart six years older than Vettel.

Nico Rosberg encourages Sebastian Vettel to consider F1 return

With F1 2023 now in progress, it marks the first season since 2007 not to feature Vettel, but could his absence be short-lived?

Vettel recently told Sky F1’s Martin Brundle that he remains race fit in his F1 retirement, and has not yet closed the book for good on this stage of his life.

That is music to the ears of 2016 World Champion Rosberg, who feels Vettel is right to remain open to returning for the “right opportunity”.

“He’s only been out for a short moment now and why not if the right opportunity arises?” Rosberg toldSky Sports News.

“Why not think about it? If he would enjoy it, then it makes sense for him to keep the door open.

”course, all the fans in the world would love him to come back as he’s so popular as well.”

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Vettel won all four of his World titles inRed Bullcolours during his spell as the dominant force of Formula 1 from 2010-13.

From there Vettel moved on to Ferrari, winning 14 grands prix for the Scuderia, though his best opportunities at returning the Scuderia to title glory came and went in 2017 and 2018.

After a highly disappointing 2020 campaign, Vettel moved on to Aston Martin, taking to the podium once in his two-season stint ahead of retiring from the series. Whether it turns out to be for good or only for now, remains to be seen.

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