Sebastian Vettel made his first move after leaving Formula 1 at the end of 2022 by becoming a co-investor in the German national sailing squad in SailGP.
Vettel ended his successful F1 career at the conclusion of the 2022 season, having won 53 races, four world championships racing for the Red Bull, Ferrari, and Aston Martin teams.
Given that Vettel is well-known to have a variety of interests, much speculation has surrounded the next phase of his life.
The 35-year-old is teaming up with double Olympic sailing bronze medalist Erik Heil, Brazilian-born gold medal-winning Olympian Kahena Kunze, and team owner Thomas Reidel to enter a German team in SailGP, a new competition dubbed the F1 of the seas.
The fourth season of SailGP, which features international competitions using wind-powered F50 catamaran boats, is set to start in Chicago on June 16.
The German squad, which will compete against teams from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, will be managed and run in large part by Vettel.
“I see a lot of potential as SailGP starts its fourth season and for the first time with a German team,” Vettel spoke to Express Sport about his latest endeavor. “Parallels between sailors and Formula 1 have long existed… The boats are fascinating and the speeds on the water are incredibly high.
“The races are exciting and I am happy to be close to them with a motivated group of young sailors. In addition, the series not only uses wind power, but also strives to set new standards in sustainability in sports.”
Additionally, Reidel, who serves as the president of the eponymous German communications company, said: “I see strong potential in all directions with the Germany SailGP Team: athletically, as a business and medially.
“We believe that a great movement can emerge from this… In addition, we can credibly address our concerns about sustainability and diversity and this is one of the reasons that I approached Sebastian to join as a trusted partner and knowledgeable technology and sustainability expert. Sebastian also knows how to win.”
Following months of speculation over his future, Vettel finally made his long-awaited return to the Formula 1 paddock at the Monaco Grand Prix last weekend. There, he was spotted talking to an old rival, Lewis Hamilton.
He had been highly rumored to be taking an executive position in Formula 1, maybe replacing longtime Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko, who just turned 80, but he has now shockingly decided to switch racing series.
