Sebastian Vettel’s retirement announcement stunned the Formula 1 world days before the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix and the mandatory summer shutdown. Vettel’s retirement came shortly after a planned Red Bull Technologies (the technological arm of the Formula 1 team) and Porsche merger was legally published in Morocco. On top of the news of Vettel leaving Formula One and Porsche entering the sport, rumors of Audi purchasing a large ownership stake in the Alfa Romero/Sauber Formula One operation.
Needless to say, there is seemingly no shortage of Formula 1 news that affects the sport, the teams, fans, and the best online casino alike. While this news doesn’t impact the Scuderia’s pursuit of the 2022 World Championships, it will have ramifications for Ferrari in 2023 and beyond. In this article, we’re going to look at these three news items and what they mean for Formula 1 in the short and long term.
Sebastian Vettel’s Retirement and the 2023 Formula 1 Grid
Sebastian Vettel has a legendary Formula 1 resume, primarily and famously spread across two of the sport’s largest teams: Red Bull and Ferrari. Vettel’s most recent run with Aston Martin/Racing Point will be overshadowed by his rise to four consecutive World Championships with Red Bull and his successful but problematic (and at times outright disappointing) tenure with the Scuderia.
However, it’s Vettel’s move into the intelligent and outspoken elder statesmen on the Formula l grid that should be the shining star during the twilight of his Formula 1 career. As it may appear to some, Seb’s growing interest in environmental sustainability probably played a role in Vettel’s decision to leave Formula 1 and not return to Aston Martin, where he was welcome to return for 2023. Yet, no one can find fault in Seb’s main reason for retirement: to spend more time with his family.
This Formula 1 news changes how the 2023 grid will shape up. Now, another seat is available on the Formula 1 grid and many driver options are available for Aston Martin to compete or swing a deal for. Vettel himself favors Ferrari contracted driver and protégé Mick Schumacher as his replacement at Aston Martin.
Alpine reserve driver and reigning Formula 2 world Champion Oscar Piastri has been linked to every possible opening on the grid for 2023. He will likely find a seat on loan to another team if Fernando Alonso resigns for 2023-2024. Super-sub Nico Hulkenberg is already embedded with Aston Martin but isn’t likely to get the spot next to Lance Stroll. Mercedes reserve driver and reigning Formula E champion Nick de Vries could be another potential loan option for Aston Martin.
However, there are two wildcards at play that may press and force Aston Martin’s decision-making: Williams and McLaren. Williams has long been linked to Piastri, while McLaren’s growing stable of IndyCar drivers and Daniel Ricciardo’s continued struggles may lead to legal interventions and a new partner for Lando Norris. For his part, Ricciardo plans to honor his contract, which ends in 2023.
The Long Rumored Red Bull-Porsche Merger is (Likely) set for 2026
The long-rumored entry of the Volkswagen group into Formula 1 looks increasingly likely for 2026. Legal documents filed in Morocco state that a Porsche and Red Bull merger is imminent, Official confirmation is unlikely until the FIA and Formula 1 confirm the engine rules for 2026. Cheaper, more sustainable engines – without an MGU-H – have been a sticking point for potential entry into Formula 1.
Porsche seems to have found the right time and partner to enter Formula 1, which is currently growing in popularity in America.
More Volkswagen Group Representation in Formula 1?
Another member of the Volkswagen Group appears on the precipice of joining Formula 1. Audi is rumored to be interested in purchasing the Alfa Romero/Sauber Formula 1 team. The gorgeous red and white Alfa Romero livery is likely to be replaced by Audi’s iconic four-ring logo by the 2026 season.
Audi wants to buy into an existing F1 team and have their own engine project. Rumors have Audi gradually investing in Sauber until fully taking over the team with an Audi-branded Formula 1 engine. This would bring the total of Formula 1 engine manufacturers to 5, with only ten teams on the grid.
But what about a potential Andretti Motorsports entry into Formula 1?
Andretti was once rumored to be a potential sale of the Sauber outfit and has been trying to find a way onto the grid as Formula 1’s true all-American constructor. It appears that any potential avenue to Formula 1 for Andretti Motorsports will be through joining the grid as a new eleventh team, as the Volkswagen group has seemingly secured two separate entries on the Formula 1 grid starting in 2026.
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