Jota Team in Talks with Sebastian Vettel for 2024 WEC Drive
Jota team principal Sam Hignett has confirmed that the British operation has approached former Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel about joining its expanded two-car Hypercar class assault on the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2024. The team is looking to field a pair of Porsche 963 LMDh prototypes.
Hignett emphasized that discussions with Vettel about a WEC drive and an attack on the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race are still in the early stages and that no deal has been finalized.
“We are in talks with Sebastian Vettel regarding a potential drive in the WEC. We have reached out to him, and there is interest from both parties,” said Hignett. “However, it’s important to note that no agreement has been made at this point.”
Vettel, who joined Aston Martin for the 2021 F1 season after leaving Ferrari, has shown interest in exploring new racing opportunities outside the realm of Formula 1. It is believed that the appeal of competing in the top-tier Hypercar class and the iconic Le Mans race could entice the four-time world champion.
The WEC’s Hypercar class has garnered significant attention since its introduction, attracting manufacturers such as Toyota, Peugeot, and Glickenhaus. Porsche, with its strong heritage in endurance racing, is set to compete in the LMDh category, which allows for participation in both the WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in North America.
The Jota team, known for its successes in sports car racing, including victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours and the European Le Mans Series, is eager to strengthen its position in the hypercar category. Joining forces with a driver of Vettel’s caliber would undoubtedly elevate the team’s ambitions.
While negotiations are ongoing, it remains to be seen if Vettel and Jota can come to an agreement. The world of endurance racing eagerly anticipates the final outcome of these talks, with fans speculating about the potential impact of Vettel’s presence in the series.