Jean Alesi has tipped Sebastian Vettel to continue racing in motorsport after the four-time World Champion retires from Formula 1. Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Vettel announced his decision to quit Grand Prix racing at the end of 2022 after 15 full-time seasons. He will be replaced by Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin as he seeks to spend more time with his family and devote time to wider causes. However, fellow former Ferrari driver Alesi believes that Vettel still has something to offer in motorsport.
Alesi: Vettel still young enough
Vettel, who is 35, is the youngest ever F1 World Champion, having secured his first crown in 2010 at 23 years, 134 days old. Alesi, who retired from F1 at the age of 37 in 2001, believes that after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Vettel will still race somewhere in motorsport. "He did it [announced his retirement] at a good time," Alesi explained to GiveMeSport. " He is a four-time World Champion, he is very well respected in F1 by all the drivers and that means a lot. "But he’s quite young, so probably we will see him back in a racing car quite soon, I believe." Vettel was invited by IndyCar driver Graham Rahal to test one of the series' cars at Road America after the German praised the circuit during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, and criticised the Miami International Autodrome.
Alonso can still win titles, according to Alesi
Speaking about Alonso's switch from Alpine to Aston Martin, Alesi was complimentary of the move, believing Alonso is still capable of challenging at the front of F1, even if the machinery is not up to it. "Absolutely," Alesi responded when asked if Alonso could win another title to add to the two he won in 2005 and 2006. "We cannot talk about talent [as a reason why not], because we know he has it. "Yes, the cars are very demanding in terms of g-force but Fernando has never stopped [driving]. "When he was not in Formula 1 [in 2019 and 2020], he was running sports cars and he is always in a car so I'm sure he can [compete]. "But to win a world championship for a team like Aston now, I don’t believe it will happen next year [at least]. I understand there is a new investor in Aston Martin and they are very ambitious. "The ambition is very high. So I hope he has made a good move this time because sometimes he has made some mistakes in his life. "But to finish a career with a good move would be a very good story for all of us."
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