Sebastian Vettel reveals the only ‘regret’ he has about his Formula 1 career after retiring

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Sebastian Vettel returned to the Formula 1 paddock at the Brazilian Grand Prix, but he wasn’t there to do any racing.

The four-time champion had a variety of commitments in Sao Paulo, and he spent his time dedicated to all sorts of causes.

It has now been three years since Vettel retired at the end of the 2022 Formula 1 campaign, signing off in style with some iconic doughnuts on the Abu Dhabi pit straight.

Unfortunately, Aston Martin couldn’t offer him a fairytale farewell, but he was able to ride off into the sunset on his own terms.

Vettel finds watching Max Verstappen ‘scary’ and has praised the Red Bull star for his speed and commitment recently.

Despite that, Vettel has picked Norris to win the F1 title and has offered some advice to the Briton, as he chases a maiden crown.

READ MORE: Sebastian Vettel tells Oscar Piastri what he needs to do to beat Lando Norris in the F1 championship

Sebastian Vettel’s only ‘regret’ was not realising his Formula 1 ‘influence’ sooner

Vettel urged Lewis Hamilton to learn Italian before moving to Ferrari, and is restricted to more of an advisory role nowadays.

At the age of 38, he probably still has plenty of racing left within him, but he’s enjoying spending lots of time at home with his family.

Addressing his career on F1’s Beyond the Grid Podcast, he revealed how he only has one ‘regret’ after finishing his racing for good.

“I’m not ruling it out at all, it could be very interesting [racing in WEC]. In that regard, I’m not in a rush. I find it [working with young drivers] fascinating.

“Especially with my development, I would probably say the only regret that I have about my career is that I realised late how much power in a positive way, I have, and influence I have, or inspiration I can give to people outside this paddock.

“I grew up with idols in the mid-90s, and I think, back then it was a very different time to today.”

READ MORE: Helmut Marko explains why Seb Vettel and Max Verstappen could never have been Red Bull teammates

Could Sebastian Vettel return to Formula 1 one day?

Vettel’s latest admission has been that he felt as though he was already regressing before leaving Ferrari in 2020.

That was five years ago, and suggests that a return to single-seater racing isn’t in his future. He’s content where he is now, and even a strong offer might not tempt him.

Not being able to win during his last few years, stuck competing in the midfield, wouldn’t have been much of a motivator.

With the new generation piling in and a new era dawning with the 2026 F1 regulations, it feels like the chapter has been closed on Vettel’s career. For now, it’s goodbye for good.