$140M multiple F1 world champion discussed as a possible Audi driver by team boss

Audi's new chief technical officer, Mattia Binotto, recently talked about the possibility of Sebastian Vettel returning to the sport with them. The Italian praised the four-time world champion but explained that it was too early to comment on him joining the German team.

A few months after Sebastian Vettel left F1, rumors started flying that he could return. During most silly seasons and driver transfer rumors, Vettel was mentioned as one of the candidates who could join a team and return. This happened particularly with Mercedes and Red Bull.

When Audi announced in 2022 that they would soon join the sport in 2026, the German's name popped up yet again as a potential candidate.

Sauber, the team that Audi will acquire to enter F1, recently announced former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as their chief technical officer. Binotto talked to Sky Sports about Sebastian Vettel's chances of joining the German team in 2025 or 2026.

He initially praised the four-time world champion had recalled the days when he used to work with the German together at Ferrari. Binotto claimed that Vettel was a strong person and a driver. He said (as quoted by "Sport.de")

"I love Sebastian. I know him very well from the past and appreciate working with him. I know how strong he is as a person and as a driver," Binotto said.

When the question of hiring the $140,000,000 worth former F1 driver was asked, Mattia Binotto said that he was still new to Sauber and was unsure. He added that he still needs to learn about the team and their vision for the future before chasing or making a comment on Vettel.

"I've only been here for a few weeks. I have to understand everything first, look around, listen and at some point, we will have to make a decision. And that has to be the right decision for Audi. Not just for 2025, but also for the future," he added.

As of now, Sauber has secured German driver Nico Hulkenberg, who will race with them from the 2025 F1 season. However, they have not yet confirmed which of the two current drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, will Hulkenberg replace.

---

Sebastian Vettel is happy staying away from the sport for now amid Audi rumors

While rumors about Sebastian Vettel potentially returning in Audi colors continued throughout 2023 and 2024, the F1 driver himself explained his life after leaving the sport.

Speaking to the media after paying a special tribute to two late F1 drivers, Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger at the Imola GP, Vettel said that though he misses certain aspects of F1, he is happy staying away from it, at least for now. Speaking to "RacingNews365" in May this year, he said:

"I'm not planning to for now. I miss a lot of things about the sport. It was a tough decision, but I'm happy," Vettel said.

He added that he feels 'privileged' to have such a successful career, but does not miss the top steps of the podium and fame that came with it.

"I think I was very privileged to having had the career, the life and the support - but I don't wake up in the mornings missing those moments on the podium when people shout your name. I think I'm quite realistic about life and trying and taking on new challenges," he added.

As of now, there is no news about Vettel returning to F1 with any team, including Audi.