Lewis Hamilton believes Sebastian Vettel would be a great choice to take over when he departs Mercedes at the end of the season. Hamilton is eager to see Vettel return to Formula 1.
Mercedes is looking for a second driver for the 2025 season after Hamilton unexpectedly decided to join Ferrari by exercising a contract provision. Veteran driver Vettel, on the other hand, has toyed with the notion of making a comeback to Formula One after hanging up his helmet after the 2022 season.
The four-time champion acknowledged speaking with Toto Wolff, the leader of the Mercedes team, which has led to rumors that he would take the wheel again.
Vettel’s return would be comparable to that of former Formula One champions Michael Schumacher, Kimi Raikkonen, and Fernando Alonso, who all made a comeback after retiring.
“You’re always going to miss it,” Hamilton told media, “It’s the greatest sport in the world, the greatest experience in the world.
“It’s the most amazing feeling to be working with a group of people towards winning and achieving something.
“For me, there’s nothing that’s ever going to feel the same.”
Hamilton anxious for Vettel to return.
Hamilton, who enjoined a good friendship with Vettel during their years together in F1, believes his fellow champion is a perfect suitor for Mercedes.
“I would love for Seb to come back,” Hamilton said. “I think he would be an amazing option for the team.
“A German driver, a multi-world championship-winning driver. Someone who has got amazing values and can continue to take this team forward, I would love it if he came back.”
Other drivers linked to the seat include Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin.
Although Hamilton acknowledged that he does not have a certain driver in mind to succeed him, he listed the attributes he believes Mercedes should consider.
“I think the only thing I would care about is that the team takes on someone with integrity and is aligned with the team and where the team is going,” he said.
“Someone with compassion that’s able to work with really great people and continue to lift them up. There are so many great people in this team.
“As drivers, there are some who are more selfish than others, there are some who are good drivers but perhaps not the best in a team environment.
“They’ve already got George [Russell], he’s perfect for the team, finding a good match beside him, they’ve got so many options.”
