Sebastian Vettel handed unusual F1 ban as he responds to talk of Red Bull return
Sebastian Vettel has been banned from returning to Formula 1 as a driver. But it is not the FIA who has barred the four-time champion from gracing the race track again - instead, Vettel has to answer to people far closer to home.
In fact, it is the German racing legend's children who have told him in no uncertain terms that he cannot go back to his jet-setting life in F1. Part of the reason behind his retirement decision in 2022 was because of the stresses placed on family life by commitment to a full F1 race calendar.
And now things have become even more intense. F1 now holds 24 events per year across the globe with six of them featuring Sprint races, placing greater strain than ever on those who have to travel for each of them.
It is tough for their families, too, who rarely get to see a driver for most of the year. And that is why, Vettel has said, his three children have told him that they don't want him to make the return to the sport that so many F1 fans would love to see.
"My children have indicated that I am not allowed to drive anymore," he told Sky Germany. "They really like me being there, and of course that's great to hear.
"I've managed to find a rhythm outside of F1, well, and I have managed to keep the sweet peace in the family! I've gotten used to my new life."
While a racing return seems to be off the cards, there are other roles in F1 that might suit Vettel which would not require so much travelling. One of them would be back at his old Red Bull team, after adviser Helmut Marko said he would be the ideal candidate to take over from him when he retires.
Vettel has plenty of experience and younger drivers coming through Red Bull's academy would certainly benefit from his advice and wisdom. In that same interview, when pressed on Marko's words, he was coy on the subject as he replied: "Those are big questions to which there are no quick answers."
But he was more forthcoming in an appearance on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast and did not rule out the possibility of an F1 role in the future. Vettel said: "There is only one Helmut and the role is quite clear. But yes, I think that in general, the exchange was very inspiring and of course, the experiences that I have and Helmut has are similar in a certain way.
"He also grew up in motorsport, albeit at a completely different time, but the wheel still turns the same in a certain way, and the same things matter today as they did however many years ago, even if Formula 1 has changed significantly. I do think that there are many things and perspectives or parallels that could be passed on.
"Whether that's something for the future, we'll see. I'm still in contact with him, I asked him how much longer he wanted to do it a few years ago, and he said not that much longer, and he's still doing it. So, as long as he still enjoys it and feels up to the job... It will be a shame if he leaves at some point, but of course the team then has to develop in a new, different direction."
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