The seven-time world champion, who will move to Ferrari, pointed to another celebrated figure in the top category, who was a historic rival of his.
Once again, Lewis Hamilton dropped a bombshell that set Formula 1 ablaze. In the lead-up to the Japanese Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion was asked about who he would like to be his replacement at Mercedes, as he will be racing for Ferrari in 2025.
The 39-year-old from Stevenage set the agenda at the Asian event by mentioning one of his great historic rivals, and the news spread worldwide. If realized, next year there would be four world champions on track.
In front of microphones and cameras, the Brit was asked about who he would want to be his successor in the upcoming season: “I would love for Sebastian Vettel to come back. I think he would be an extraordinary choice for the team. A German driver, a multiple winner with four world titles, someone who has extraordinary values and who will continue to drive this team forward,” he said.
Vettel won four world titles between 2010 and 2013, all with Red Bull. He competed in 299 Grand Prix, with 53 victories, 122 podiums, and 57 pole positions. He retired in the last race of 2022 and, after more than a year’s sabbatical, he returned to racing in March in a Porsche 963 Hypercar in the main category of the World Endurance Championship (WEC).
The 36-year-old German took part in 36 hours of testing at the Motorland Aragón Circuit, which was part of the German squad’s preparation program for the next edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was not confirmed if Sebastian will be part of the legendary French race.
Hamilton also explained what he looks for in his successor at Mercedes: “The only thing that would matter to me is that the team hires someone who has integrity, who is aligned with them. Someone with passion, who is able to work with great people and lift them up.”
“Some drivers are more selfish than others, and some are good but maybe not the best. They already have George Russell, who is perfect for the team. To find a partner, they have many options,” he highlighted.
However, he also left open the possibility that it could be a young talent who takes his place, and the name that came up is the Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli (18 years old). “I’m sure they have many options. I think it’s always fantastic to give an opportunity to a promising driver, so I think the idea of bringing in a youngster is exciting,” concluded Hamilton.
Vettel himself acknowledged on Wednesday that he is talking with the Mercedes team boss. “I am talking to Toto Wolff. I don’t know if that can be considered talking to Mercedes, but yes, I have talked about other things,” he admitted in an interview with Sky Sports.
