Vettel mulling Porsche return? It's "in the back of my mind"

Le Mans (France) - It could be a sizeable motorsport-bombshell! Rumours have been rife for months about a cockpit comeback for four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel (36). However, rather than in the premier class, this could potentially happen in the Sports Car World Championship.

The British team "Jota Sport" is reportedly courting the services of the Heppenheim-born racer, as reported by Auto Motor and Sport magazine.

"Nothing has been signed or decided yet, but it's in the back of my mind. I still have time to make a decision," the former pilot explained at the Japan GP in Suzuka.

For the upcoming WEC season, Jota is hitting the Hypercar top class with two Porsche 963s. During his active career, Vettel has always declared his love for endurance racing and expressed his passion for the world-renowned Le Mans race, whose 92nd edition takes place from June 15 to June 16, 2024.

The British racing team is supposedly working on a high-profile lineup and is said to be in talks with former F1 star Robert Kubica (38). Jenson Button (43) has reportedly already signed, and Kimi Räikkönen (43) was in the mix until the end.

A test-drive for Jota Team in Spain could sway the youngest F1 World Champion in history to make a final decision. The event is anticipated soon but still needs to be planned.

Could Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher switch to the endurance series?

Just a few weeks ago, Vettel told Sky Sports that he wouldn't rule out a return to the pedals, but a fitting challenge would need to arise.

In Japan, he also stated: "If I ever come to the conclusion that I can't do without racing, then I'll race again."

If the former Red Bull pilot decides to enter the sports car series, he could meet Mick Schumacher (24). Currently the reserve driver for Mercedes in the premier class, Schumacher is purportedly in talks with the Hypercar debutant Alpine/Renault, according to Motorsport Magazine.

"At the moment, we're only talking, but a test could happen soon," Alpine Team Manager Bruno Famin (61) confirmed the contact.

With nine manufacturers, the Sports Car World Championship is now considered the second-largest stage in global motorsports, potentially attracting numerous German high-speed fans.