Hamilton believes that Vettel’s return to F1 would be “an incredible option”
In an interview for Sky Sports, Sebastian Vettel mentioned the possibility of a return to F1, his former rival, at Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton, gives his opinion.
The seven-time world champion, who will leave Mercedes at the end of the year for Ferrari, leaves a seat vacant for 2025. Rumors are swirling around some drivers like Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso or the young Kimi Antonelli. Toto Wolff had established a short list of his options.
The German came to open a door, in an interview given to the British media, Sky Sports. He explains that he is not ruling out a possible opportunity in Formula 1, and he maintains good relationships with several people in the paddock.
Lewis Hamilton, who faced Sebastian Vettel, then a Ferrari driver, for the world titles in 2017 and 2018, says he would love to see the four-time world champion return to F1.
« I would love for Seb to come back, and I think it would be an incredible option for the team. A German driver, a multiple world champion and someone with incredible values who would continue to drive the team forward. I would love for him to come back. », Hamilton declared before this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Mercedes could also promote its protégé, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who would be the replacement for Toto Wolff’s first choice for Hamilton. But the fast-tracking to an F1 diploma for the 17-year-old Italian depends on how he performs in his first Formula 2 season.
« I hope they will find someone great.
The only thing that really matters to me is that the team hires someone who is honest and in tune with the team and where it is headed, added Hamilton.
He does not forget to acknowledge the work of his teammate in the German team. They already have George and he is perfect, so finding a good option next to him, I’m sure they have so many good options. I think it’s always great to give the opportunity to stand out to up-and-coming drivers so the idea of a young driver coming to replace me is exciting.
No hard feelings towards Hamilton who wishes the best for the team that saw him grow. “I hope they will find someone compassionate, capable of working with great people and who continues to uplift them. There are so many great people in this team. There are some who are good drivers but maybe not the best within the team, I don’t know because I am not with them all. But I hope they will find someone great.”
