In 2025 Lewis Hamilton will definitively leave Mercedes to start a new adventure in Ferrari. A historic passage that closes a circle and which took everyone by surprise, especially Toto Wolff, who was called to take action. There Mercedes finds himself not only with a project to save but with a seat to fill, and finding a worthy replacement for a 7-time world champion is no easy task. Among the many candidates, some names stand out. In particular those of Verstappen, Fernando Alonso and yes, recently also that of Sebastian Vettel. The four-time world champion who has hung up his helmet in 2022 is one of Hamilton's historic "rivals". Despite this, the two have always had an excellent relationship. Regarding the possible rumors of Vettel's rapprochement with the world of racing, Hamilton himself spoke out and tried to direct Wolff's search for the next Mercedes driver towards the German.
Future of Mercedes, Hamilton suggests Vettel
Sebastian Vettel is missed by everyone, but especially by those who frequent the paddock and who have noticed that his absence creates a real void. Lewis Hamilton is one of them. “I would like Seb to come back,” said Hamilton, who identified the German as a perfect replacement. “I think he would be an amazing option for the team: the German driver, multiple world championship winner, who has extraordinary values, will continue to lead this team forward. I would love it if he came back.”
Going and then returning to Formula 1 doesn't come easy to everyone. After all, as Lewis says, once he leaves “You will always miss Formula 1. It is the most beautiful sport in the world and it is the greatest experience in the world. It's an amazing feeling to work with a group of people to win something, achieve something.”
There are those who, after leaving in a bit of a hurry, have had to return due to the too strong call of adrenaline given by the top category, but there are also those who have taken years to find the courage to close this chapter of their lives. And Sebastian's seems to be one of these cases. He himself admitted that he doesn't know if he would return, that he still has many things to do off the track. Making it clear that it would be more of a heartfelt choice to return. But If Hamilton's move to Ferrari taught us one thing, it's that in Formula 1 the heart is often in charge.
Toto Wolff's commentary
Toto Wolff also expressed his opinion on the issue, declaring that there is still time to decide post-Hamilton. Interviewed by Sky Sport, the team principal of the German team explained: “I have a lot of respect for the riders when I say that I want time to make a decision, and it's the truth. We have to decide on the immediate future for next year but also for the long term".
When asked about a possible arrival of Vettel Wolff he instead declared: “Sebastian is a name that can never be discarded. His resume is phenomenal, and sometimes taking a break is helpful also to evaluate what is important to you and rediscover your motivation."
Source statements: Motorsport.com
