Hamilton and Russell think Vettel ideal fit for Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton has tipped Sebastian Vettel as an “amazing option” to replace him at Mercedes.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton is moving to Ferrari from next season, leaving big shoes to fill at a team where he has lifted all-but one of his drivers' titles.
Vettel, meanwhile, has hinted at a return to the Formula 1 grid next year having left in 2022.
The German won four titles back-to-back between 2010 and 2013 with Red Bull and has recently had a test with Porsche that could see him race at Le Mans later this year.
Since 2000, three of the six world champions to leave the sport later returned to the grid, with Vettel potentially set to add to that list.
Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen all had time away from
F1 before being enticed back and Vettel admitted in a Sky Sports interview on Wednesday that "it does cross my mind" when it comes to securing a new drive and has spoken to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
The departing Hamilton said it was never a consideration of his to take time away from the sport, before hailing Vettel as an ideal replacement at a team that has struggled for pace in the past two years.
“No, I've never thought about taking a year or two off and then coming back When I'm gone, hopefully I'm gone for good,” he said.
“You're always going to miss it. It's the greatest sport in the world and it's the greatest experience in the world and the most amazing feeling to be working with the people towards winning something.
“Probably there's nothing that's ever going to feel the same. I've not asked any of the drivers what they're missing but I would love for Seb to come back and I think it would be an amazing option for the team.
“A German driver, multiworld championship winning driver, and someone who has amazing values who would continue to take the team forward. I'd love it if he came back.”
Pushed further on who he would like to take his seat whether it be Vettel, reigning champion Max Verstappen or an F1 rookie, Hamilton replied: "The only thing I really care about is that the team takes on someone with integrity.
“That are aligned with the team and where the team's going. Someone compassionate that's able to work with great people and continues to lift them up. There's so many great people in this team.”
Hamilton's current teammate George Russell is confirmed for Mercedes in 2025 and was enthused when it was pitched to him that he could be joined by a returning Vettel.
“Sebastian's a great person,” he said. “He's a four-time world champion and for sure his personality is missed on the grid.
“I think it is important that we have the best 20 drivers in the world all competing for race wins and championships.
“I'm really happy and open to have anybody as my teammate, you know, whether it's world champion, whether it's a rookie, it doesn't change how I go about my business.”
Speaking ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, Russell admitted that Mercedes could struggle with the high-speed corners at Suzuka.
“There's a clear trend, where we know our strengths in the car, our weaknesses,” he explained. “Definitely performing stronger in the lowspeed corners, struggling a bit in the high-speed corners, of which there's more of in Jeddah, Melbourne, and Suzuka. You know, these are the faster circuits of the season.”
When I'm gone, hopefully I'm gone for good Lewis Hamilton