Rumors
Vettel to Mercedes after all? 'He wants to follow Schumacher'
- Ludo van Denderen
One driver after another is now being linked with Lewis Hamilton's seat, which becomes vacant after next season. Carlos Sainz is mentioned, the driver to make way for the seven-time world champion at Ferrari. And Fernando Alonso, whose commitment with Aston Martin expires after next season, is also in the picture. Even Daniel Ricciardo is said to be in the picture, although Helmut Marko has already hinted that the Australian has a multi-year contract with Red Bull.
During Toto Wolff's press conference on Hamilton's imminent departure, another name came up: Sebastian Vettel. The German (36) retired from Formula 1 after the 2022 season. Wolff admitted to talking to Vettel regularly because both are friends. Even the day before Hamilton's announcement, the Austrian and the German were in contact, but the subject of a return to Mercedes was not discussed.
'Vettel would be open to a comeback with Mercedes'
Vettel has previously been linked with a return to Formula One, but he denied interest in doing so each time. Perhaps the prospect of a competitive Mercedes car might be attractive to him? In any case, German Sport1 says it has information that Vettel can definitely envisage a return to Formula 1, as it would allow him to follow in the footsteps of his great idol Michael Schumacher.
The seven-time champion also quit Formula 1, to return after a break with Mercedes. Back then, Mercedes were not the successful team they became. Schumacher only managed one podium finish in his two years with Mercedes. According to Sport1, the Mercedes scenario is an option for Vettel, and he may be able to add wins to the current total of 53 with the German team.