Sebastian Vettel does not rule out the possibility of making a return to Formula 1 following the unexpected news of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025. The motorsport community was shocked by Hamilton’s announcement as he prepares for his final season with Mercedes before switching teams. This departure creates a significant vacancy at Mercedes, leading to speculation about potential candidates to fill the position. Vettel, who has won 53 grand prix races, is considered a strong contender for the role.
After Hamilton’s revelation, Toto Wolff, the head of the Mercedes team, admitted to having regular communication with Vettel. However, these discussions did not revolve around racing opportunities with Mercedes. Vettel confirmed this interaction, stating that their conversation took place after Hamilton’s announcement about his move to Ferrari. He emphasized that he currently has no active plans to seek a return with Mercedes.
Vettel expressed his surprise at the move and indicated his openness to future possibilities in Formula 1. However, he clarified that he has no immediate plans for a comeback. Despite stepping away from the sport after the 2022 season, Vettel shared that his time away from the tracks has been enlightening. It has provided him with valuable self-reflection and sparked contemplation about his future in the sport.
During his break, Vettel has stayed connected to Formula 1 by watching races, including the season opener in Bahrain in 2023, alongside his wife. This has allowed him to gain a different perspective on the sport, which surprisingly resonated with him and deepened his wife’s understanding of Formula 1.
Despite initially intending to distance himself from the sport, Vettel’s continued interest and involvement in Formula 1 suggest that the possibility of a return is not completely ruled out. His last stint in Formula 1 was with Aston Martin, where he made way for Fernando Alonso in 2023. However, the potential return of Vettel to the grid continues to captivate fans and experts.
