Could Sebastian Vettel be Mercedes’ next driver? Lewis Hamilton hopes so
As we prepare for the Japan Grand Prix, the soon-to-be former Mercedes driver gave his take on who could replace him and his answer might surprise you.
The former world champion turned heads as he answered questions ahead of this weekend’s action in Japan. Of course, there is no guarantee that he will get his wish in terms of replacement, but the prospect is certainly one to dream about.
Lewis Hamilton calls for Sebastian Vettel
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has a clear idea as to who he would like to replace him at Mercedes for the 2025 season. Speaking ahead of the Japan Grand Prix, Hamilton said he would “love” to see Sebastian Vettel make a Formula 1 comeback. Vettel of course brought the curtain down on his incredible career in Formula 1 back in 2022 after almost 300 starts that saw him notch 53 wins, 122, podiums, 57 pole positions, more than 3,000 points, and of course four world championship titles.
Adding more fuel to the fire regarding a possible second coming is the fact that Vettel recently admitted that a return to the F1 grid could be “appealing” after reportedly having general talks with Mercedes’ principal, Toto Wolff. Mercedes’ boss is of course on the hunt for a new driver to compete alongside George Russell from next season, now that it’s been confirmed that Hamilton will be joining Ferarri where he will replace Carlos Sainz. So, could we see the 36-year-old German make a return? Hamilton thinks it could be on the cards.
When asked about the appeal of the sport and the fact that drivers such as Kimi Raikkonen and Michael Schumacher had taken hiatuses from the sport before returning, Hamilton was clear in his response regarding Vettel possibly doing the same. “You’re always going to miss it,” said Hamilton. “It’s the greatest sport in the world and it’s the greatest experience in the world. It’s the most amazing feeling to be working with a group of people towards winning something, achieving something. ...Probably there’s nothing that’s going to ever feel the same. I’ve not asked any of the drivers what they’re missing, but I can just imagine. ...But I would love for Seb to come back. I think he would be an amazing option for the team, to have a multi-world championship-winning driver, someone who’s got amazing values to continue to take this team forward...I would love it if he came back.”
Interestingly, Hamilton was asked to be clear about if his replacement was something he was truly thinking about and whether he would rather he be a veteran such as Vettel, or perhaps someone younger like Mercedes’ own junior, Andrea Kimi Antonelli His response was curious in that he seemed to endorse the idea of the latter. “I think the only thing I really care about is that the team takes on someone with integrity and values that are aligned with the team, where the team is going,” he said. “Someone with compassion that’s able to work with all these great people, continue to lift them up. As drivers there are some that are more selfish than others, there are some that are good drivers but perhaps not the best within team environments. I don’t know because I’ve not been in with all of them. They’ve already got George and he’s perfect for the team. I’m sure they’ve got so many options. I do think it’s always great to give an opportunity to an up-and-coming driver, so the idea of a youngster coming in I think, for me, is exciting.”