SUMMARY
- Sebastian Vettel hints at F1 return after discussing options with Mercedes' Toto Wolff amid Lewis Hamilton's departure to Ferrari.
- The 4x champion's retirement might be short-lived as talks hint at a potential comeback with a top-tier team.
Formula 1 veteran Sebastian Vettel has sparked renewed interest in his racing future, suggesting a potential return to the sport after talks with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. This news comes as Mercedes actively seeks a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who announced his move to Ferrari in February, ending an 11-year-long reign with the Silver Arrows.
Vettel, a four-time champion with Red Bull, retired at the close of the 2022 season after stints at Ferrari and Aston Martin. However, recent discussions with several team principals, including Wolff, hint at a potential shift in his plans. While the teams are about to go through a major reshuffle, Vettel might find himself behind the wheel once again. A return to a top-tier team could significantly influence his decision.
Sebastian Vettel teases F1 return following talks with Toto Wolff
The German stated, “I am speaking to Toto. I don’t know if that qualifies as Mercedes, but about other things. I’m talking to a lot of people because I know them, but not very specific. I mean obviously it does cross my mind, I do think about it, but it’s not the main thought” during a conversation with Sky Sports News.
Sebastian Vettel says he is thinking about making a return to Formula 1 amid ongoing discussions with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and the sport’s other team principals.
[@SkySportsF1] pic.twitter.com/8Q0HgTOrKs
— F1_MercHub (@F1MercHub) April 3, 2024
Vettel further elaborated, “I have three kids at home, it’s busy every day, so there’s a lot of other thoughts I have. I did speak to a lot of other team principals as well, and not only about racing. There’s thoughts, but nothing concrete at the minute.” The 36-year-old also expressed his surprise regarding Hamilton’s ‘historic move’ to Ferrari, revealing that it was not something he had anticipated.
While contemplating his next move, Vettel has dipped his toes into the world of endurance racing, even taking a Porsche Le Mans contender for a spin. When pressed about a potential debut at the iconic Le Mans race in 2024, he remained coy, indicating a final decision remains elusive. The upcoming driver market promises to be a period of intense activity, with Vettel’s potential return being a major plot twist.
Lewis Hamilton supports Vettel for Mercedes seat
While the 7x champion’s transfer has been a hot topic ever since it was officially announced, Hamilton has been barred from influencing the key figures at Silver Arrows to make a move to Ferrari. However, it is obvious that Hamilton might be facing a tense situation in the team. While Hamilton has no influence on the team’s decision, he expressed his support for a return by Sebastian Vettel.
#JapaneseGP 🇯🇵 | Lewis Hamilton on Sebastian Vettel to Mercedes: “I would love for Seb to come back [to F1].”
“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… pic.twitter.com/32M5W41bqs
— deni (@fiagirly) April 4, 2024
According to the British sensation, “I would love for Seb [Vettel] to come back and I think 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. The only thing I really care about is that the team takes on someone with integrity and that are aligned with the team and where the team’s going.”
However, the team is also exploring other avenues, including potentially luring reigning champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull or capitalizing on the experience of Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. Internally, Mercedes is nurturing young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who might be strategically positioned for future promotion.