Toto Wolff Open to Considering Sebastian Vettel for Mercedes Seat After Lewis Hamilton's Departure

Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, said on Friday that he would not rule out bringing in former Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel to take Lewis Hamilton's position when he leaves the team the next season.

The 36-year-old Vettel has said that he was speaking with Wolff and other people about maybe making a 2025 return. On Thursday, Hamilton, who is joining Ferrari, said that the German driver would be a fantastic choice for the German team.

Wolff said, "Sebastian is someone that you can never discount," when asked whether he would be considering the four-time world champion.

He has an incredible track record, in my opinion. Additionally, occasionally it could be beneficial to take a break in order to reassess your priorities and improve your motivation.

Wolff said that he was considering a shortlist of drivers, but he was not making a choice right now.

"I think it's much too soon for us to commit to a driver at that point, regardless of how experienced or how young they are. The coming months will give us more hints."

Hamilton said on Thursday that he thinks Vettel would be a "wonderful choice" to take over for him at Mercedes the following season.

"I believe Seb's return would be a fantastic option for the squad, and I would really love to see him return.

"A driver with incredible values who has won several world championships and is German, who would lead the team to success in the future. The seven-time world champion remarked, "I'd love it if he came back."

Hamilton said, "The team taking on someone with integrity is the only thing I care about." "Someone with empathy who can work with amazing people and encourage them."