Sebastian Vettel might have been away from the Formula 1 paddock for only a few months but drivers and pundits are already keen to see him return to the sport.
With the four-time world champion having spent 15 years in the sport, Sebastian Vettel’s absence from Formula 1 has left a hole that is hard to fill for fans and sports personalities alike.
Now, there are rumours that Vettel could return to Formula 1 as a team principal, joining AlphaTauri, which he raced for when it was called Toro Rosso.
Franz Tost, who currently heads up the team, turned 67 in January and has been open about his plans to retire in the coming years.
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While Tost hasn’t set an exact date for his departure, he has explained that he doesn’t see himself still being in the sport by the time he turns 70.
AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda has responded to speculation about Vettel’s possible appointment, claiming he’d be interested to see it happen.
“That would be really interesting to see how Sebastian would be as a team manager,” Tsunoda told the Beyond The Grid podcast.
“For example, what Helmut Marko is doing now with Red Bull juniors, I think Sebastian would also be very good at taking care of Red Bull juniors because he’s one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1.”
“I can tell from all the race briefings from last year before qualifying, he always said the points where we have to improve in terms of track, the curb, or something like that.
“He was the first guy to raise his hands so I think Sebastian can be that guy.”
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Holding the record for being the youngest world champion in Formula 1, Vettel’s career saw him secure the third highest number of race victories and podium finishes, as well as the fourth most pole positions.
With his wealth of experience at BMW, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin, Vettel could undoubtedly provide an interesting insight into the sport if he were to join a team in a managerial position.
Despite his decision to call time on his Formula 1 career, Vettel hasn’t given up racing, recently appearing with fellow German Mick Schumacher at the Race of Champions in January.