Sebastian Vettel teases F1 return but only on one condition

Sebastian Vettel has suggested that he may come out of retirement just to race at the Japanese Grand Prix in the future.

The four-time world champion is set to leave Formula 1 at the end of the season after a highly successful 15-year career.

As a result, the Aston Martin driver has enjoyed a farewell tour of sorts in the second half of the season, racing around iconic tracks like Spa and Monza for the very last time.

This weekend Vettel heads to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix, a race that holds a special place in the German’s heart having won there four times previously and it was also the venue where he clinched his second title in 2011.

‘Well, I’ve always loved the track. I think it stands out as my favourite track on the calendar,’ the 35-year-old said on Thursday.

‘From the very first year, this has been a special place. For me, just the layout of corners, it’s iconic, it’s a figure-of-eight track, the only one we have.

‘Plus, the atmosphere, the attention the sport gets when we come here is crazy so yeah, lots of very nice memories.

‘I didn’t think at the other races – I know it will be my last time, but here it does feel a bit different somehow. I look forward to the race on Sunday.’

Vettel is yet to announce his plans post-F1 but gave a surprising answer when asked if he envisioned ever racing at Suzuka again.

‘I don’t know, never say never,’ the former Red Bull and Ferrari driver replied.

‘Who knows what the future brings. Obviously, I love driving and I think around this track I always felt alive and the passion… feels alive, so we’ll see what kind of car in the future will come up.

<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>We’re glad it wasn’t a real horse, Seb! ð It’ll be a bittersweet moment for Vettel and his fans here