Mercedes could tempt ‘relentless’ 36-y/o back into F1 to replace Lewis Hamilton

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Mercedes could tempt Sebastian Vettel to return to Formula 1 with the Silver Arrows now looking to replace Lewis Hamilton ahead of the Briton’s move to Ferrari in 2025.

The Scuderia have lured the seven-time F1 champion away from the Silver Arrows to replace Carlos Sainz in Maranello. Ferrari were speaking to the Spaniard over a new contract beyond 2024. But pairing Charles Leclerc and Hamilton from 2025 was just too tantalising for Ferrari.

Now, Mercedes are on the hunt for George Russell’s next teammate. They have a number of candidates to consider including their academy driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Sainz. But a vacancy in Brackley may be what tempts Vettel to return to Formula 1 after two years away.

Mercedes could tempt Sebastian Vettel back into F1 to replace Lewis Hamilton

That is according to Sky Germany, which reports that Mercedes could be attractive for Vettel as they look to replace Hamilton. The 36-year-old was happy to walk away from F1 after the 2022 season to spend more time with his family and on his other interests outside of racing.

Vettel returned to the F1 paddock at the 2023 Japanese GP, for example, to help build insect hotels on the inside of Turn 2 at Suzuka. He was keen to help Buzzin’ Corner raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity. Vettel has also tried to help promote carbon-neutral fuels.

But Vettel has also refused to rule out a return to F1, so Mercedes might tempt the German to follow in his idol’s footsteps. Michael Schumacher also returned to F1 racing for the Silver Arrows in 2010 after three years out. The seven-time F1 champion did three years for them.

Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel made his Grand Prix debut in 2007

Two underwhelming seasons with Aston Martin in 2021 and 2022 helped to convince Vettel to leave Formula 1. He joined the Silverstone squad from Ferrari for his fifth F1 team to date. But the four-time F1 champion would finish both seasons 12th in the drivers’ championship.

Vettel broke into F1 driving for BMW Sauber as a stand-in at the 2007 United States GP, and even scored points in P8 in Indianapolis. He would see out that season at Toro Rosso before winning the 2008 Italian GP with the Faenza outfit. A debut title arrived at Red Bull in 2010.

Red Bull and Vettel were the dominant force between 2010 and 2013 as he swept each title. Hamilton then won six titles from 2014 until 2020 as Mercedes commanded the start of F1’s turbo-hybrid era. Vettel was his main rival in 2017 and 2018 after the German joined Ferrari.

Aston Martin hailed Sebastian Vettel’s ability to guide their car development

Vettel boasting such a wealth of knowledge across different manufacturers, plus power unit providers and eras, ensured the Heppenheim native was a huge help for Aston Martin. The team’s performance director, Tom McCullough, hailed Vettel’s impact on their 2023 results.

McCullough told RacingNews365 in November as Aston Martin ended the 2023 season fifth in the constructors’ table: “When he joined us, he came from two championship-winning teams. At that time, he brought a lot of small details. He was a relentless worker, as well.

“We often say the drivers are the best sensor in the car. A lot of the development you’ve got [comes from] wind tunnels, simulators, offline simulation [and] CFD.

“A driver whose backside is connected to the car can say, ‘This is the phase of these kinds of corners that I know we’re struggling maybe more than others’. That allows you to go dig into the data.”

Now, Vettel’s knowledge – plus 53 Grand Prix wins, 57 pole positions, 122 podiums and four titles – could see Mercedes target the German to replace Hamilton when he goes to Ferrari.