Sebastian Vettel has dropped thoughts of racing in DTM after seeing Formula 1’s 23-race provisional calendar for 2021.
Next year, the four-time world champion will leave Ferrari for Aston Martin, who currently compete in F1 as Racing Point and did have a presence in the German touring car series until it was dropped earlier this year.
However, much like Fernando Alonso has done in recent years, Vettel is also considering broadening his motorsport activities.
And with DTM only set for a nine-round calendar next year, the German reveals he did chat with series owner Gerhard Berger about the possibility of competing.
“We spoke about the fact that, in the past, drivers did a lot of stuff outside Formula 1, but that’s a long, long time ago so I don’t think you can afford to go back,” he was quoted by GPFans.
“It would be nice just to drive different cars and face different challenges, but with a 23-race F1 calendar in a single season it is also quite a difficult task because it covers already half of the weekends so you can do the maths.”
Indeed, reaction to F1 proposed record-breaking schedule hasn’t been all that positive, with teams believing it is putting too much stress on their employees.
“There has been lots made of the 23 races on next year’s calendar as we are seeing the demand for F1 races increase,” said Red Bull boss Christian Horner via Motorsport Week.
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“But when you look at the races this season, where we have 17 races between July and the end of the season, it has been pretty intense.
“So looking at 23 races over a season compared to what we have done this year in such a short space of time, it looks a lot more straightforward.
“But it is a lot, and it will be demanding. Yes, there is a bit less testing so that compensates fractionally, but it will be a challenge for all team members.
“Less so for the drivers as they fly in and out slightly later than the team, but a lot for everyone else.
“There are some great races planned, but of course it is on the limit of human tolerance.”
Included in the calendar is a first trip to Saudi Arabia in November, as well as the delayed return of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
2020’s other new race in Vietnam has been dropped again for next season but is expected to be filled by an alternative venue.