Sebastian Vettel's chances of a sharp return to Formula 1 may be over after Aston Martin confirmed their plans for the driver line-up at the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.
The British manufacturer has been forced into an ill-timed rethink regarding personnel after Lance Stroll recently suffered a wrist injury while cycling. The Canadian was ruled out of pre-season tests as a result of the blow, and it remains unclear as to whether he'll be fit to feature at Sakhir.
Team principal Mike Krack confirmed this weekend that talks had taken place with Vettel regarding a comeback, though no concrete decisions had been made over a return. However, it appears reserve driver Felipe Drugovich—at least for the time being—has his employer's confidence to step in if necessary.
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"The team will continue to give Lance every chance to race, pending recovery from his injury," read a team statement published on Sunday morning. "Should he not be fit to compete, then Felipe will drive the AMR23."
Four-time world champion Vettel, 35, retired at the end of 2022 after collecting 53 wins from 299 F1 starts. Krack was candid when speaking to reporters regarding rumours of the German's return, though he insisted Aston Martin's 'Plan A' was to see Stroll retain his seat.
"I have had a couple of phone calls with Sebastian but this has been also [the case] last year and will continue in the future," said the team's Luxembourgish leader. When asked if Vettel had been receptive to the possibility of a comeback, Krack replied: "I will not tell you."
Fernando Alonso replaced Vettel in Silverstone to bring some much-needed experience to the line-up after he parted ways with Alpine. With less than a week to go before the F1 campaign gets underway (March 5), the uncertainty is an unwelcome distraction for an outfit desperate to build on last year's 55-point haul.
"First our plan is to have Lance in the car and then we continue to see," added Krack. "You can ask me five times, we have not made a final decision."
Drugovich, 22, drew an early red flag on the first day of pre-season at Sakhir and saw his participation limited as a result. However, he completed 77 laps in the AMR23 on the third and final day of testing as he received some much-needed time in the hot seat.
The Brazilian prospect could make his official F1 debut in Bahrain if Stroll is deemed unready to return in time for Sunday's curtain-raiser. Vettel loyalists may rue a missed opportunity to see the former Ferrari and Red Bull talisman return to F1, though Drugovich will take Aston Martin's update as a sign of confidence in his qualities.
