Vettel, aged 36, revealed in an interview with Sky Sports television on Wednesday that he was potentially considering a comeback in 2025. He mentioned having discussions with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and other individuals.
During a press conference at the Suzuka Circuit ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Hamilton, who will be joining Ferrari next season, expressed his desire for Vettel to return to the sport. He believed that Vettel would be an exceptional choice for the team, stating that his racing experience and values would contribute to the team’s efforts to regain their previous success, which included seven consecutive drivers’ championships from 2014 to 2020. Hamilton also noted that Vettel’s nationality would make him a suitable fit for the German manufacturer.
Mercedes had previously had a German driver in Nico Rosberg, who retired after winning the 2016 world championship. Hamilton, a seven-time F1 World Champion, has consistently regarded Vettel as his favorite rival throughout the years. Vettel finished as the runner-up to Hamilton in 2017 and 2018 before deciding to end his career at the conclusion of the 2022 season.
Vettel recently participated in a test drive for a Porsche Penske Le Mans hypercar and there are speculations about a potential debut in the 24-hour race.
George Russell, Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes, also expressed his support for Vettel’s return to the track. He emphasized that Vettel’s presence and personality were missed among the drivers on the grid. Russell believed that it was important to have the best 20 drivers in the world competing for race victories and championships. He further mentioned that he would be happy and receptive to any teammate, whether they were a world champion or a rookie, as it would not affect his approach to his own performance. (Reporting by John Geddie)