Vettel on standby for F1 comeback if Tsunoda fails at Red Bull

Placing the Japanese driver in the Red Bull hot seat on home soil at Suzuka was a bold and unexpected move that comes amid the team’s deepening driver crisis. But they have an even bolder solution should this 'Yuki-Experiment' fail: Sebastian Vettel.

For Tsunoda, this is not just another promotion from Racing Bulls. It’s a high-stakes gamble following the spectacular failure of Liam Lawson, who—despite expectations—was dropped after two dismal showings.

The Red Bull second seat has become a pressure cooker, chewing up and spitting out the likes of Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Daniel Ricciardo. Few survive. Fewer thrive. Ask Sergio Perez.

Tsunoda must now deliver. At home. At Suzuka. In front of thousands of his fans. And Red Bull looking for instant results. But should he fail, what next?

According to sources close to GrandPrix247, Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has quietly sounded out Vettel, the four-time F1 world champion. Their golden boy, the one who gave the energy drinks team their first wins, their first titles, and their first taste of dominance.

Now 37, Vettel has been retired since 2022 after an underwhelming end to his career with Ferrari and Aston Martin. But behind the scenes, things have been stirring. And few know how RBR operate better than the German.

A source familiar with the situation revealed: “Seb has spent five years focusing on himself, on his family, on the environment. He made the world a better place for bees. He’s hugged trees. He’s hugged bunnies. And now, he’s ready to hug a steering wheel again as kids cycle to school these days, which frees up his morning Dad's taxi duties."

Vettel reportedly did not hesitate and was whisked away from his home in Switzerland to the mountains of Spielberg. There an intense training regimen has been set up for Seb who is quietly pounding laps in the simulator, working out in a gym with a physio in attendance preparing for a potential comeback. His mission at Red Bull Ring in the coming weeks is to familiarise himself with the RB21 and be ready, just in case.

This would be no ceremonial return. The task of mastering today’s cars, with their brutal complexity and unforgiving nature, is formidable. But if Tsunoda stumbles at Suzuka, Red Bull may not wait long. Vettel, the legend, the fan favourite, will be ready to answer the call to partner with Verstappen. A Dream Team for many.