F1 News: Lewis Hamilton Speaks Out On Sebastian Vettel Return Rumours - 'Love It If He Came Back'

Lewis Hamilton addresses the possibility of Sebastian Vettel replacing him at Mercedes in 2025.

Nov 15, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas driver Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has addressed the rumours of the comeback of former rival turned close friend Sebastian Vettel to take his Mercedes seat in 2025 when he makes the move to Ferrari. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, the British driver said he would "love it if he came back."

Key Takeaways:

• Lewis Hamilton is supportive of Sebastian Vettel rejoining Formula 1, especially as a candidate to take over his spot at Mercedes.
• Vettel, who retired at the end of 2022, has hinted at a possible return, maintaining communication with several team principals, including Mercedes' Toto Wolff.
• Hamilton stresses the need for his successor to share the team's values and integrity, mentioning the significance of a harmonious team environment.

Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport driver Lewis Hamilton of / Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Lewis Hamilton recently shed light on his thoughts regarding the future of his current team, Mercedes, as he prepares for a new chapter with Ferrari starting in 2025. The British driver made it clear that the idea of Sebastian Vettel rejoining Formula 1 to potentially fill his shoes would be a welcome development. He commented to Sky Sports F1:

"I would love for Seb to come back.

"He would be an amazing option for the team.

"A German driver, a multi-world championship-winning driver and someone who has got amazing values and continues to take this team forward.

"I'd love it if he came back."

Vettel, having bowed out of the sport at the end of the 2022 season, has not ruled out a comeback. His comments in a recent interview with Sky Sports revealed that he is contemplating a return to the grid, staying connected with influential figures in the sport, including Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff. This openness to a return has sparked conversations and speculation within the F1 community. Vettel explained:

“Well, potentially I am because I haven't got a drive, but the question is, am I looking for one? I think it depends on the package.

"I retired from Formula 1 not to come back, but I also did say that you never know. So I think it still stands.

"Obviously, there's things that I miss, which is mostly the competition. And things that I don't miss, so that hasn't changed. Obviously, life is very different if you're not involved and I do enjoy that still.

"You never know where life is taking you, so maybe it takes me back behind the wheel, maybe it doesn’t.”

Oct 23, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team driver Sebastian / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

When probed about his preferences for his successor, Hamilton highlighted the importance of the team choosing someone who not only brings skill to the track but also shares the team's core values and ethos. He responded:

"Someone with compassion to work with all these great people and continue to lift them up.

"There are so many great people in this team and, as drivers, there are some that are more selfish than others, there are some that are good drivers but perhaps not the best within team environments. I don't know because I've not been in with all of them, but I hope they find someone great.

"They've already got George [Russell] and he's perfect for the team so finding a good match alongside him. They've got so many options."