Reigning Formula E world champion Jean-Eric Vergne has revealed an approach by a Formula 1 team over a possible return in 2019.
The Frenchman came up short during his first stint with Toro Rosso as then-teammate Daniel Ricciardo got the promotion to Red Bull in 2014 with Vergne then dropped for Carlos Sainz at the end of that year.
A brief spell as a Ferrari development driver ensued before he found his current calling competing in both the WEC and Formula E where he recently beat Sam Bird to become the Season 4 champion.
Racing at the Silverstone 6 Hours, the 28-year-old was asked if a future F1 return was likely by Crash.net.
“It’s a possibility,” he responded before disclosing that a team had approached him without naming.
Given his current stock, it may not be impossible to think Red Bull has considered their former driver for either team, replacing Daniel Ricciardo or Pierre Gasly, who is the favourite to step into the Australian’s seat.
Then there’s Haas or Sauber who could well have a seat going, depending on which one Charles Leclerc fills for next year.
“It’s funny how the world of motorsport changes!” Vergne continued. “Three years ago, I don’t think anybody would have called me from F1 and said: ‘Hey, do you have a contract for next season?’
“When you change your state of mind, when you change a little bit how you work, you see the results straight away. You see it in how people look at you and how they speak to you.”
As for whether the starter of 58 Grands Prix would consider re-entering the F1 circus…
“If a good opportunity comes in Formula 1, I would consider it,” Vergne confirmed. “It’s something that would interest me.
“To have another new, big challenge. This time, I think I have all the tools at my disposal to do a good job in F1.”
Regardless: “In my mind, I’m happy where I am,” he added. “I’m not bitter at all. I’m very happy with what I have. I think things happen for a reason.
“I’m not disappointed any more. I learned from my mistakes, I learned from the bad things that happened, and I’m actually thankful for what happened to me.”