Vettel downplays talk of FIA presidency ambitions

Sebastian Vettel has responded cautiously to speculation linking him to the FIA presidency, saying it would be “unprofessional” to consider the role without fully understanding its scope.

“I don’t know enough about the responsibilities of an FIA president,” Vettel told Auto Motor und Sport.

“From a Formula 1 perspective, you only get to see part of it. I have a little understanding, but not enough to assess it. “It would be unprofessional to say now: yes, I can imagine that.”

The 38-year-old four-time world champion has already ruled out a comeback to Formula 1 as a driver but remains open to returning behind the wheel in other categories, such as Le Mans or the World Endurance Championship.

“What I really miss is the competition, those intense moments where important decisions have to be made,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll never drive anything again.”

Vettel continues to maintain close ties with Red Bull and did not dismiss the idea of one day stepping into an advisory role similar to that of Dr Helmut Marko

“I know Helmut very well, and we’re in contact,” Vettel said. “If that were to become more concrete, I would first have to realise what kind of task I would be facing. A decision would depend heavily on that.”

He also expressed interest in mentoring young drivers, pointing to the behind-the-scenes support provided by Mark Webber to Oscar Piastri.

“As a young talent, it can be extremely valuable to have someone who helps, not with braking points, but on the mental side,” Vettel explained.

“You can’t mould a driver into the next Hamilton or Schumacher. It’s more about perceiving the person and helping develop their own strengths.”