formula 1
Report: No comeback from Vettel at Mercedes
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff already has a list of candidates in mind to succeed Hamilton. photo
© Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP/dpa
Sebastian Vettel’s Formula 1 return is unlikely to come to fruition for the time being. The ex-world champion should not belong to a group of candidates who are eligible for the vacant cockpit at Mercedes.
The former world champion Sebastian Vettel is unlikely to make a Formula 1 comeback at Mercedes. This is reported by the “Bild” newspaper, citing an unnamed source.
Accordingly, the 36-year-old Hessian is not one of a small circle of supposedly three candidates who are considered to succeed record world champion Lewis Hamilton at the factory team. The Brit Hamilton is moving to Ferrari in 2025, so the Silver Arrows are looking for a successor. It remains unclear whether Vettel can make a comeback with another team.
Mercedes Motorsport Director Toto Wolff previously confirmed before the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka that he already has a fixed group of candidates in mind. The 52-year-old did not want to reveal who it was and how many names were on his list in a press conference. The team wants to take its time clarifying the question of who will replace Hamilton from next year. “It’s far too early to decide on a driver. The next few months will give us some insights,” said Wolff.
There had previously been speculation that Vettel could take over the helm at the German car manufacturer and return to the premier motorsport class two years after his retirement. He had recently no longer categorically ruled out a comeback.
Mercedes’ preferred candidate is said to be world champion Max Verstappen (Red Bull), who can supposedly change early thanks to a special exit clause. The 26-year-old is actually tied to his racing team until 2028. Former champion Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) should also be an option. The 17-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli from our own youth program is also apparently an option.