formula 1
Hamilton would be happy: Is Vettel coming back?
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton would be happy about Sebastian Vettel’s return to Formula 1. photo
© Toru Hanai/AP/dpa
Sebastian Vettel is flirting with plans to return to Formula 1. His former colleagues can also imagine it. There are also well-known German examples.
Mercedes needs a successor to Lewis Hamilton – and his name keeps coming up Sebastian Vettel. The four-time Formula 1 world champion stepped down at the end of 2022; he wanted to devote himself to other projects and, above all, to his family, because he has three children.
In 2025, a cockpit for the long-standing industry leader will become available because record world champion Lewis Hamilton is moving to Ferrari. So we are looking for a new teammate for the Briton George Russell, who praised Vettel on Thursday: “Sebastian is a great person and four-time world champion. His personality is missed here.”
What speaks in favor of Vettel returning to Formula 1?
The love for motorsport has remained. In interviews, Vettel recently admitted that he had always thought about a comeback, and he was also testing a car for the 24-hour classic in Le Mans. However, he has not yet reached the point where he really feels ready for a comeback. “A few conversations have to be had and phone calls made to find out more. But it is certainly one of the best cockpits on the starting grid,” said Vettel on Sky News on Wednesday about a commitment to Mercedes. And in general he added: “You never know where life will take you, maybe it will bring me back behind the wheel, maybe not.”
What speaks against going back into the cockpit?
Vettel resigned for good reason – because he had had enough of the stressful life as a Formula 1 driver. He wanted to spend more time with his family, watch his children grow up and have a completely new direction, free from obligations. No more 24 racing weekends per year, no more full schedule. The Heppenheimer is enjoying his new freedom; financially he no longer needs a job anyway.
Would Vettel be a good fit for Mercedes as a driver?
A German driver for a German car manufacturer – at first glance that’s a fantastic combination. Like Michael Schumacher or Nico Rosberg, a driver from your own country would be wonderfully marketable for the Silver Arrows. “It would be simply fantastic if he came back. He would fit in really well with the team,” said Hamilton about his long-time companion before the Japanese Grand Prix. Vettel also represents “strong values” and would be an asset to Mercedes, said the seven-time world champion. Nevertheless, despite his great successes, Vettel did not have the huge charisma that Schumacher did. And there are stronger candidates in terms of sport. One should not forget: After his titles with Red Bull from 2010 to 2013, no more followed, success with Ferrari also failed to materialize; he achieved his 53rd and last victory in September 2019.
Who is the hottest candidate to succeed Hamilton?
Team boss Toto Wolff would like to sign world champion Max Verstappen. The Dutchman still has a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, but may be able to leave early due to a special clause. An internal power struggle is currently raging in the racing team, even if Verstappen himself said in Japan that he wanted to stay with his team: “I’m very happy with where I am at the moment.” It remains to be seen what these words will be worth in the coming months.
What other options does Mercedes have?
Former world champion Fernando Alonso is also said to be a candidate; the 42-year-old Spaniard’s contract with Aston Martin is expiring. Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz is still looking for a new employer after being ousted from Scuderia by Hamilton at the turn of the year. A bold solution would be Kimi Antonelli. The 17-year-old Italian is part of the Mercedes youth program and is currently contesting his first season in Formula 2. He is considered an exceptional talent in the scene.
What does it look like for the other German drivers?
Although Mick Schumacher is a reserve driver at Mercedes, the 25-year-old’s name is not mentioned when it comes to Hamilton’s successor. Nico Hülkenberg, currently the only regular German Formula 1 driver, doesn’t play a role either – and doesn’t expect a move to one of the industry leaders. “The hope for a top cockpit is very low,” said the 36-year-old in Suzuka. The Rhinelander is tied to the US racing team Haas until the end of the year. A contract extension seems realistic.
Is the retirement from Formula 1 special?
Should Vettel really return to the starting grid – there may be other options than at Mercedes – that would not be a novelty. Former world champions Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso were also back behind the wheel after several years away from the premier motorsport class. Schumacher even drove in a Mercedes. Hamilton ruled out such an approach for himself. “If I’m gone, I’m gone forever,” said the 103-time Grand Prix winner. It is impossible to predict how long he will continue to drive for Ferrari in the future.