Lewis Hamilton has declared that he would “love” Sebastian Vettel to replace him at Mercedes’ Formula 1 team in 2025 when he heads to pastures new with Ferrari.
Despite signing an extension with Mercedes last August, Hamilton opted to activate a break clause in that agreement to negotiate a switch to Ferrari from next term.
The seven-time F1 champion’s impending departure has left Mercedes with a void and Team Principal Toto Wolff has discussed that all options remain on the table.
Vettel’s status as a four-time World Champion and a German driver has prompted him to be linked with the vacant position alongside George Russell for next season.
The ex-Red Bull driver, who retired at the end of 2022, has admitted to holding conversations with long-time confidant Wolff as he contemplates a possible F1 return.
“I’m having thoughts that are crossing my mind and thinking about [a return],” Vettel told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“But at this stage, my mindset generally hasn’t changed so it really depends on what’s coming up.”
When asked about Mercedes, Vettel added: “I’m following the sport and at the minute there’s quite a lot of movement when it comes to drivers, driver market and so on.
“I’m obviously in contact with a lot of people still. I’m speaking as well to Toto [Wolff] every now and then.
“It depends I guess but at the minute it’s not the number one priority.”
Hamilton and Vettel battled over several seasons at the pinnacle of the sport prior to the latter not having his Ferrari contract renewed and slipping down the order.
But although Vettel’s career ended in the midfield with an emerging Aston Martin squad, Hamilton reckons his old rival’s experience makes him a standout candidate.
“I would love for Seb to come back,” Hamilton commented. “I think it would be an amazing option for the team: German driver, a multi-World-Championship-winning driver, someone who’s got amazing values, will continue to take this team forward. I’d love if he came back.”
Amid speculation that Vettel could replicate Fernando Alonso and complete a comeback, Hamilton reiterated that he intends to exit F1 for good when the time comes.
“I’ve never thought about taking a year or two off and then coming back. When I’m gone, I’m hopefully gone for good,” he addressed.
“You are always going to miss it. It’s the greatest sport in the world and it’s the greatest experience in world.
“It’s the most amazing feeling to be working with a group of people towards winning something, achieving something.
“There’s probably nothing that’s ever going to feel the same. I’ve not asked any of the drivers what they’re missing. I can just imagine.”
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