LET’S VETT IT ON
Lewis: I’d love Seb to take my seat
LEWIS HAMILTON is rooting for old rival Sebastian Vettel to come out of retirement and replace him at Mercedes.
Hamilton is joining Ferrari at the end of the year and leaves boss Toto Wolff with the unenviable task of replacing a seven-time Formula One champion.
As a four-time title winner himself, Vettel’s experience could go a long way to filling that void.
The German, 36, hinted this week that he could consider an F1 return and has spoken with Wolff, though not specifically about the vacant 2025 seat.
Regardless, Hamilton thinks it would be a brilliant move for his soon-to-be former team to make.
Asked about it ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, he said: “I would love for Seb to come back. It would be an amazing option for the team.
“German driver, multi world 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.” Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari was made to give himself the best chance of winning an eighth F1 title before retirement.
Because of his focus on his own career, he admits he has given “zero” thought up to now as to who should fill his shoes at Mercedes.
He added: “The only thing
I really care about is the team takes on someone with integrity and who is aligned with the team and where it is going.
“Someone compassionate that’s able to work with great people and continues to lift them up.”
George Russell has already been backed by Wolff to lead the team into the future.
Asked about the prospect of linking up with Vettel (right) from next year, the 26-year-old said: “His personality is missed. I’m open to having anybody as my team-mate. Whether it’s a world champion or a rookie, it doesn’t change how I go about my business.” Italian teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli is understood to be the main candidate for Mercedes long term. However, given he is still only 17, Wolff knows he may need someone else to race for his team for a year or two until the Italian is ready. Vettel would be an ideal option in such a scenario, and admits to having given some thought to the idea of an F1 comeback.
He said: “There are ideas that I have, events that I’m planning, so I did speak to a lot of other team principals as well, and not only about racing. There are thoughts, but nothing concrete.”