Aston Martin chief refuses to rule out shock Vettel return for Bahrain Grand Prix

Aston Martin chief Mike Krack refused to rule out the possibility of Sebastian Vettel coming out of retirement for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Vettel retired at the end of the 2022 season after winning four world championships over a 15-year Formula One career.

But after Lance Stroll sustained a wrist injury while cycling, causing him to miss pre-season testing, there are rumours of Vettel stepping in to deputise at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix next week.

While team principal Krack said "plan A" was for Stroll to be fit enough to drive at next weekend's race, he did not close the door to Vettel making a shock return.

"Plan B we will speak about next week," Krack said. "I have had a couple of phone calls with Sebastian but this was also [the case] last year and will continue in the future.

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"First our plan is to have Lance in the car and then we continue to see. You can ask me five times; we have not made a final decision."

Asked whether Vettel had shown an interest in returning, Krack stated: "I will not tell you.

"Don't forget one thing – he had a very thorough plan in mind for his retirement and this is something you have to respect.

"Let's see what happens."