Vettel curiosity piqued over Porsche Le Mans test

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has detailed his curiosity to drive a Le Mans Hypercar following his LMDh test at Aragón.

Vettel was behind the wheel of the Porsche 963 as part of an outing with Porsche Penske Motorsport on Tuesday, setting 118 laps.

The German driver retired from Formula 1 at the end of the 2022 season, bringing the curtain down on a highly successful 17-year stint in the series.

Vettel, who has 53 F1 grand prix wins to his name, admitted that his desire to sample an LMDh car was too great to resist.

"Of course, I also keep an eye on other motorsport disciplines and know many drivers who are active in the WEC and Le Mans,” he said.

“At some point, my curiosity was so great that I had the idea of trying it out myself. Porsche gave me the opportunity to test a current hypercar with the 963.

"After the seat adjustment, the simulator session and the roll-out in Weissach, I already had a good feeling. Driving the Porsche 963 on the track here in Aragon - that was definitely fun.

“I first had to get used to everything and find my rhythm. The driving experience is different simply because of the roof over your head, as well as dealing with the higher weight and the tyres.

“The Porsche works drivers were very helpful and explained to me what was special and what I needed to get used to. That made it easy for me."

Vettel's hybrid systems benefit

Vettel previously suggested that he would not rule out a return to motorsport and F1 itself.

He completed a familiarisation outing at the Weissach Development Centre last week before his full test showcase in Spain.

As the 36-year-old dips his toes back into the racing scene, Vettel's motorsport experience with hybrid cars was of great value, according to the team.

"Having Sebastian Vettel here is a unique opportunity for the team,” said Jonathan Diuguid, Managing Director Porsche Penske Motorsport. “He is a four-time Formula 1 world champion.

“He has massive experience with hybrid systems and high-performance racing cars.

“Having his fresh unique perspective on where the car is and gives feedback on our systems and performances is a unique opportunity.

“We are happy to have him here. He came out of the car with a smile which is all good."