Lewis Hamilton said on Thursday retired four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel would be an “amazing option” for Mercedes as they look to fill the Briton's seat next season.
Vettel, 36, told Sky Sports TV on Wednesday he was “potentially” in the market for a 2025 comeback and talking to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and others.
“I would love for Seb to come back and I think he would be an amazing option for the team,” Hamilton, who joins Ferrari next season, told a press conference at the Suzuka Circuit before the Japanese Grand Prix.
He said the German driver would be good fit for the German manufacturer and Vettel's racing pedigree and values would push forward a team trying to revive the form that delivered seven back-to-back drivers championships between 2014 and 2020.
Mercedes last had a German driver with Nico Rosberg, who retired after winning the 2016 world championship
Seven-time world champion Hamilton has previously described Vettel as his favourite Formula One rival over the years. Vettel finished runner up to Hamilton in 2017 and 2018 before calling time on his career at the end of 2022.
Vettel recently tested a Porsche Penske Le Mans hypercar and could debut in that 24-hour race.
Hamilton's Mercedes teammate George Russell also said it would be good to see Vettel back on the track.
“Sebastian's a great person. For sure his personality is missed on the grid and I think it's important we have the best 20 drivers in the world competing for race wins and championships,” he said.
“I'm happy and open to have anybody as my teammate, whether it's a world champion or a rookie, it doesn't change how I go about my business.”
Vettel would be an amazing option for Mercedes, says Hamilton
Image: Mark Thompson/Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton said on Thursday retired four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel would be an “amazing option” for Mercedes as they look to fill the Briton's seat next season.
Vettel, 36, told Sky Sports TV on Wednesday he was “potentially” in the market for a 2025 comeback and talking to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and others.
“I would love for Seb to come back and I think he would be an amazing option for the team,” Hamilton, who joins Ferrari next season, told a press conference at the Suzuka Circuit before the Japanese Grand Prix.
He said the German driver would be good fit for the German manufacturer and Vettel's racing pedigree and values would push forward a team trying to revive the form that delivered seven back-to-back drivers championships between 2014 and 2020.
Mercedes last had a German driver with Nico Rosberg, who retired after winning the 2016 world championship
Seven-time world champion Hamilton has previously described Vettel as his favourite Formula One rival over the years. Vettel finished runner up to Hamilton in 2017 and 2018 before calling time on his career at the end of 2022.
Vettel recently tested a Porsche Penske Le Mans hypercar and could debut in that 24-hour race.
Hamilton's Mercedes teammate George Russell also said it would be good to see Vettel back on the track.
“Sebastian's a great person. For sure his personality is missed on the grid and I think it's important we have the best 20 drivers in the world competing for race wins and championships,” he said.
“I'm happy and open to have anybody as my teammate, whether it's a world champion or a rookie, it doesn't change how I go about my business.”
MORE:
Japan F1 host hopes calendar shift, weak yen will boost foreign fans
Sebastian Vettel, now 36, says he is contemplating a return to F1 in 2025
Verstappen looks to bounce back at Suzuka as Ferrari speed up
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos