Vettel believes WRC drivers “are not recognized for their true value”

After Formula 1, Rally for Sebastian Vettel ? The German driver, who retired from F1 at the end of last season, is still thinking about his future... and WRC don't leave him indifferent.

Present in Sweden for the Race of Champions (winner in 2015, finalist in 2022), the four-time world champion has not hidden his love for rallying, which he considers underestimated compared to other disciplines. “I have enormous admiration for rally drivers, said the 35-year-old pilot. I think the drivers are great, they don't get the recognition they deserve. They have incredible talent and the discipline is just as incredible. I feel like I'm arriving with a screwdriver and a hammer while they arrive at the first corner with the full toolbox. Whatever happens, they are equipped with the right tool. »

Vettel involved in a rally? “ It would be a huge challenge”

Statements which come at a time when the WRC is experiencing a crisis of popularity with manufacturers. With an extremely poor field in the premier category – only 10 Rally1s on the Monte-Carlo Rally and three manufacturers entered – the discipline is far from attracting the attention of the public.

Could Sebastian Vettel give a boost to the WRC, through a commitment to a rally for example? “It would take a lot of work, but maybe if it starts to itch after a while... That would be a huge challenge anyway! », recognizes the native of Heppenheim. The German said he has always been passionate about the World Rally Championship, which he has watched since his younger years. “[I wasn’t] watching every corner, but the rallies and the main stages. I remember when Petter [Solberg] was still competing and winning… I always admired the fact of going so fast without curbs or track limits. It doesn't matter what's next to you, the terrain or the conditions. » 

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