Sebastian Vettel could make unexpected F1 comeback: Mattia Binotto wants to bring ex-Ferrari driver to Audi. Mattia Binotto wants to bring Sebastian Vettel to Audi.

Who will partner Nico Hulkenberg in Audi?
At the end of April, Audi officially announced a two-year contract for the experienced Nico Hulkenberg, who will join Sauber starting in 2025. The 36-year-old’s profile is undoubtedly a great acquisition for the Hinwil-based team, which will benefit from a fast and reliable driver who has shown in recent seasons with Haas that he hasn’t lost his touch after two years away from the sport.

For the second driver, the primary option was Carlos Sainz, who chose instead to sign with Williams. Therefore, several names are now being considered by Audi’s management, with Auto, Motor und Sport recently adding Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo, and even Alex Palou to the list. However, a surprising name has emerged in recent hours: former Scuderia Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel.

The intriguing news from Austria
The possibility of Sebastian Vettel’s shocking return to Formula 1 was mentioned by the Austrian outlet Oe24. “The name of 37-year-old Sebastian Vettel has suddenly gained traction for Audi, with Helmut Marko confirming his desire to return to F1,” wrote the German-language news site.

Oe24 further explained that the recent appointments of Mattia Binotto (who worked with Sebastian Vettel at Scuderia Ferrari from 2015 to 2020, securing 14 Formula 1 race victories) and Jonathan Wheatley (who worked with Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull during his four world championship titles from 2010 to 2013) to lead the Audi F1 project could provide the decisive push for the German’s unexpected comeback. Sebastian Vettel’s last race was in Abu Dhabi in 2022 with Aston Martin.