Vettel to Replace Hamilton at Mercedes?

[cosworth151]

Silly Season 2025 is officially off and running!

Toto Wolfe is hinting that Vettel could return to Merc next season when Lewis makes the move to Maranello.

"Sebastian is a great guy and a giant of this sport,” Wolff told Sky Deutschland ahead of the Bahrain GP. "I think he still has the speed as well. After three or four races we have to decide whether we go for youth or experience.”

Seb is being coy too. "There's no firm no, no firm yes," he added, revealing that he will shortly go for a "medical check", which is "mandatory if you want to keep your racing license".

Stranger things have happened in F1.

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a60061101/sebastian-vettel-isnt-ruling-out-return-to-f1-in-place-of-lewis-hamilton/

[Jericoke]

Certainly the Mercedes seat is the most desirable clearly open seat (we all know that if a team and driver really want to make something work, they will)

Throwing around Vettel's name would help in negotiations even if Seb has no interest. Still being a German racing for a 'German' team must have some appeal to Vettel. Also after failing to be the next Schumacher at Ferrari he doesn't have to win to be the next Schumacher at Mercedes lol.

Seb might even finagle a way to get Mick in a race seat at Mercedes as part of whatever negotiations, making an actual Schumacher the next Schumacher at Mercedes. (Assuming he is still a family friend looking out for Mick)

[Dare]

I think Carlos would be a better choice. Looked like
Vettel had lost it his last few years

[John S]

Guess it depends if Toto wants a solid no 2 or an equal No1 for the seat. Max, Alonso or Piastri deffo No1 equal, Vettel, Sainz, Albon or Ocon solid No 2.

Also reckon it hangs on length of contract required to bring the right driver to Merc - Toto might not want to give more than 1 year plus option if he's still dreaming of bringing Antonelli in from 26 or 27. (Oscar excluded from this part of equation.)