Sebastian Vettel has not ruled out the chance of making a comeback to Formula 1 after the unexpected news of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025. The motorsport community was left stunned by Hamilton’s announcement, as he prepares for his final season with Mercedes before switching teams. This departure creates a significant vacancy at Mercedes, leading to speculation about potential candidates to fill the position. Vettel, who has won 53 grand prix races, is considered a strong contender for the role.
Following Hamilton’s revelation, Toto Wolff, the boss of the Mercedes team, admitted to having regular communication with Vettel. However, these discussions did not revolve around racing opportunities with Mercedes. Vettel confirmed this interaction, stating that their conversation took place after Hamilton’s announcement about his move to Ferrari. He emphasized that he currently has no active plans to pursue a comeback with Mercedes.
Vettel expressed his surprise at the change and indicated his openness to future possibilities in Formula 1. However, he clarified that he does not have immediate plans to return. Despite stepping away from the sport after the 2022 season, Vettel shared that his time off the track has been enlightening. It has provided him with valuable self-reflection and has sparked contemplation about his future in the sport.
During his break, Vettel has stayed connected to Formula 1 by watching races, including the season opener in Bahrain in 2023, together with his wife. This has allowed him to gain a different perspective on the sport, which has surprisingly resonated with him and deepened his wife’s understanding of Formula 1.
Despite initially intending to distance himself from the sport, Vettel’s continued interest and engagement with Formula 1 suggest that the possibility of a return is not completely ruled out. His last stint in Formula 1 was with Aston Martin, where he handed over his seat to Fernando Alonso in 2023. However, the potential for Vettel’s comeback to the grid continues to captivate fans and pundits alike.