Sebastian Vettel will probably be racing again soon. He remembers the icon Ayrton Senna. He followed in the Brazilian's footsteps last year.
Munich – What’s next for Sebastian Vettel? Will he return to Formula 1? Mercedes is apparently toying with signing the four-time champion, who retired from the series in 2022. The future of the Heppenheimer is open. Now the 36-year-old is apparently drawn to a cockpit again - as a homage to racing legend Ayrton Senna. But it is not yet clear to what extent Vettel will return behind the wheel.
“Forever Senna”: Vettel makes mysterious announcement
On his Instagram channel, Vettel, who had recently fueled speculation about a Formula 1 comeback, shared a short video showing him in a racing suit from his “V5” brand. He also added the note “Forever Senna”.
What exactly Vettel means by this mysterious announcement is uncertain. One thing is certain: Ayrton Senna, the Brazilian Formula 1 icon who died tragically in Imola in 1994, plays an important role in this.
Clothing reminiscent of F1 legend Senna: What is Vettel planning?
This is also shown by the colors present in the video. Vettel's racing clothing is adorned with numerous yellow, green and blue elements. These symbolize the national flag of Senna's homeland, Brazil.
In the sparse clip, the German is wearing a helmet - presumably the one based on Senna and himself that Vettel had already put on when he took part in the Goodwood Festival of Speed last July. At that time, the Heppenheimer drove the Brazilian's McLaren from 1993, which he keeps in his private collection. So will Vettel return to the racetrack as a driver soon?
“Is this a comeback announcement?” Fans speculate about Vettel’s hint
This is to be assumed. Only the framework of the event is still up in the air. Vettel may pay homage to the three-time world champion again at Goodwood at this year's Festival of Speed, which takes place from July 11th to 14th.
In the comments section under the video, fans of the two Formula 1 legends continued to speculate about what the connection between Vettel and Senna could mean. “What is that?” one follower asked excitedly. “Is this a comeback announcement?” another hoped for the 36-year-old’s return to Formula 1. Another suspected that Vettel would soon take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans (on June 15th and 16th) - in the Senna outfit shown.
Is Vettel driving at Le Mans? Final announcement in honor of Senna probably on May 1st
And the fan could actually have hit the nail on the head: Just a few weeks ago, Vettel did some test drives in a Porsche 963, which will also be doing its laps at Le Mans this year. And that's not all: in 1984, Senna also took part in a long-distance course with a Porsche, the 1000-kilometer race at the Nürburgring.
So will Vettel follow the example of the Brazilian Formula 1 luminary in the Porsche and drive the classic Le Mans soon? The chances of this happening are good, as the German has been able to imagine taking part in a 24-hour race for some time. He announced that he would soon reveal the secret behind the video message. It wouldn't be surprising if Vettel did this on May 1st - which will be the 30th anniversary of Senna's death.
(wuc)