Vettel back in Formula 1? Why that would be very unfair

Sebastian Vettel has been frequently linked with a return to Formula 1 in recent weeks. This is why a return of the four-time world champion would be a sign of mediocrity in the sport.

Formula 1 is always called the top class of motorsport. The place where the 20 best drivers get a chance in the best cars designed by the best engineers in the world. The best people deserve a place in F1. The best people in quality, but above all people who want to do everything they can to be the best or become the best.

Therefore, it's not surprising that there's a growing frustration with some drivers like Daniel Ricciardo, Kevin Magnussen, and Valtteri Bottas. Why do these drivers still have a place in the sport when they have been stagnant for years? For years now, these drivers have not been developing, are not claiming a seat with a top team, and are only driving in the sport to provide smaller constructors with experience.

Why don't young talents get a chance in Formula 1?

By giving these three men a seat, Liam Lawson, Oliver Bearman, and Theo Pourchaire won't get a chance in the premier class. Drivers who do still have that drive to make it to the top may not be far off in talent from the men who retain the seats at an older age.

It's important to say upfront that this is not the drivers' fault. Despite a lack of ambition to become the very best driver, it's their right to want to stay in F1. The problem lies more with the teams that continue to prefer these kinds of drivers to young talents knocking (or actually bashing) on the door.

So even Sebastian Vettel cannot be blamed for wanting to return to the sport if the rumours are true. However, teams can be blamed for having him on their radar as a possible driver for 2025. Anyone looking at Vettel's sporting achievements will see that his heyday has long passed.

Vettel impressed as a rookie, took an impressive victory with Toro Rosso, and celebrated success at Red Bull Racing. Red Bull's car, designed by Adrian Newey, suited Vettel's driving style perfectly. Four world titles followed, but after that, things remained quiet around Vettel for a long time.

Why Vettel's return would be unfair for F1

The German signed with Ferrari, while at Red Bull Racing, he was beaten by Daniel Ricciardo. With the new regulations, Vettel beat Kimi Raikkonen, also a veteran, at Ferrari but lost out to Lewis Hamilton. Partly because of the car but also largely because of his own mistakes.

Vettel lost his leading position at Ferrari with the arrival of Charles Leclerc. He lacked confidence, but as in the duel with Ricciardo, Vettel learned nothing. The exit to Aston Martin offered him another chance to finish as a front-runner at an F1 team, but watching Fernando Alonso dominate Lance Stroll makes you wonder what Vettel had been doing in those years before.

Vettel has since been out for two seasons and has done little racing, unlike Alonso when he was away from F1. So, the chances of him being better than he was two years ago are extremely slim. So why would a team choose Vettel right now? Just because he dominated the sport a decade ago in a supreme Red Bull? Just because, with those four world titles to his name, he will bring a mountain of sponsors?

It would be mediocre for Mercedes, Red Bull Racing, or any other team to sign Vettel right now. There are plenty of young stars ready to step into Formula 1. Bearman and Lawson have proven they are ready for that step. Why shouldn't Pourchaire, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and Zane Maloney be thought about? Vettel has had his chance. It is time for new names to prove themselves.