In recent months, the Formula 1 driver market has been animated by rumors and speculation about possible sensational returns. Among the most surprising rumours, the one that sees Sebastian Vettel, four-time world champion, as a candidate for a return to the Circus with the Audi team, starting from 2026: giving strength to this hypothesis would be the new role of Mattia Binotto, former team principal of Ferrari, now leading the Audi project in Formula 1. But what are the real chances that this scenario will materialize?
Audi and Vettel: a surprising return?
Currently, Audi is building the foundations for its official entry into Formula 1 in 2026, when it will take over the Sauber team. The German team has already confirmed Nico Hülkenberg as one of the drivers for this new adventure, but the second seat still remains vacant. Several names have been linked to this position, including Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo and IndyCar champion Alex Palou. However, the hypothesis of a return of Sebastian Vettel has emerged already a year ago as a possible target after Carlos Sainz, has become more concrete with the arrival of two key figures in the team: Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley.
According to sources, including the Austrian site Oh24, Vettel, who retired at the end of the 2022 season, could be convinced to return to the track thanks to the influence of Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley, figures with whom the German has had a very successful relationship. Binotto, in fact, worked with Vettel during his period at Ferrari from 2015 to 2020, an experience characterized by 14 victories and as many difficult moments. Wheatley, for his part, shared the golden years at Red Bull with Vettel. When the German rider won four consecutive world titles from 2010 to 2013.
Binotto's Influence on Vettel's Comeback
Mattia Binotto's role in convincing Sebastian Vettel to return to Formula 1 could be crucial. Their collaboration at Ferrari, although marked by ups and downs, created a solid professional bond. Binotto was a central figure in Vettel's career at Ferrari, supporting him even in the most difficult moments. Now, with Binotto at the helm of the Audi F1 project, the possibilities of recreating that winning relationship are concrete.
Binotto is not only a very talented engineer, but also a leader capable of creating a stimulating and positive working environment, something that Vettel has always needed to express himself at his best. If Audi manages to bring Vettel back to Formula 1, it could be thanks to the trust the driver places in Binotto and the vision of a long-term project that aims to bring the German team back to the top of motorsport.
Audi and the Future in Formula 1
Audi's entry into Formula 1 in 2026 represents one of the most anticipated innovations in the motorsport scene. The ambitious project of the house with the four rings aims not only to compete, but to win. With the arrival of Binotto and Wheatley, Audi has already shown that it wants to get serious, recruiting key figures with consolidated experience in Formula 1.
Sebastian Vettel could be the icing on the cake of this project. A driver with his experience and track record would not only bring enormous added value in terms of performance on the track, but would also make a notable contribution to the development of the single-seater, thanks to his in-depth knowledge of the dynamics of Formula 1.
The rumors of a possible return of Sebastian Vettel to Formula 1, pushed by Mattia Binotto, are undoubtedly intriguing. With a solid project behind it and the expert guidance of figures such as Binotto and Wheatley, Audi could really surprise when it debuts in 2026. It only remains to be seen whether Vettel will be ready to take on this new challenge.
