Translated by Imma Aurino, written by Tommaso Cerutti
Sebastian Vettel is poised for a sensational return to motorsport, not in Formula One but in the world of endurance racing with Porsche.
The four-time F1 world champion sent shockwaves through the racing world when he was spotted testing the Porsche 963 at Weissach, Germany, on March 24th. The secret test, which was first reported by Motorsport Aktuell, saw Vettel share driving duties with Laurens Vanthoor, an official Porsche driver.
Despite having never driven the car before, Vettel reportedly matched Vanthoor’s pace after just 15 laps. This impressive performance caught the attention of Porsche management, who immediately invited Vettel to participate in a two-day test at Motorland Aragón in Spain.
Vettel completed 118 laps during the Aragón test, covering a total of 581 kilometers. The German driver said he felt comfortable in the Porsche 963, but admitted that he needed to adjust to the car’s weight, tires, and roof.
Porsche’s 24-Hour Dream
Vettel’s performance at Aragón has fueled speculation that he could be set to make a full-time switch to endurance racing with Porsche. The German manufacturer is planning to field a third car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024, and Vettel would be a major coup for the team.
Porsche has already confirmed that Mathieu Jaminet will drive one of its 963 Hypercars at Le Mans, but the identity of his co-drivers remains a mystery. Vettel is the frontrunner to fill one of the two remaining seats, but Porsche is also considering Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy.
A Return to Le Mans
Vettel has never competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but he has expressed an interest in doing so in the past. The German driver is a big fan of endurance racing, and he sees Le Mans as the ultimate challenge.
If Vettel does decide to race at Le Mans, it would be a major boost for the WEC. The series has been struggling to attract top-level drivers in recent years, but Vettel’s arrival would be a major sign of its growing popularity.
A New Chapter for Vettel
Vettel’s potential move to endurance racing would mark a new chapter in his illustrious career. The German driver has won 53 F1 races and four world championships, but he has never won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
If Vettel can achieve success in endurance racing, it would further cement his legacy as one of the greatest motorsport drivers of all time.
