Lewis Hamilton says he “would love” for Sebastian Vettel to return to Components 1 and the four-time champion can be an “amazing option” to succeed him at Mercedes.
Hamilton, who has signed with Ferrari from 2025, additionally stated he wish to see Mercedes substitute him with “someone with integrity and values that are aligned with the team and where the team is going”.
Vettel retired from F1 on the finish of 2022 however, having by no means completely closed the door to a future return, advised Sky Sports activities on Wednesday that he was excited about the opportunity of a comeback and that he was “staying in touch” with staff principals together with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff.
“I would love for Seb to come back,” stated Hamilton forward of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
“He can be an incredible choice for the staff.
“A German driver, a multi-world championship-winning driver and somebody who has bought superb values and continues to take this staff ahead.
“I’d love it if he came back.”
Hamilton on his successor: ‘Somebody with compassion’
The seven-time champion was then requested if he had given any consideration to who Mercedes in the end signed and whether or not he would favor to be succeeded by an skilled driver like Vettel or Max Verstappen – who Wolff has gone on report to state is his number-one goal – or a rookie.
After initially suggesting he was giving the matter “generally zero” thought, Hamilton then elaborated by stating: “I think the only thing I really care about is that the team takes on someone with integrity and values that are aligned with the team and where the team is going.
“Somebody with compassion to work with all these nice individuals and proceed to raise 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 bought George [Russell] and he is good for the staff so discovering a superb match alongside him. They have so many choices.”
Experienced names linked with the seat also include the in-form Carlos Sainz, who Hamilton is replacing at Ferrari, and Williams’ Alex Albon.
Mercedes also have the in-house option of promoting 17-year-old protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is currently competing in his maiden season of Formula 2.
And Hamilton, who came through McLaren’s junior ranks as a highly-rated young star to F1 almost two decades ago, added: “I do assume it is at all times nice to present a possibility to up-and-coming drivers so the concept of a teen coming in for me is thrilling.”
Russell himself said he would welcome any arrival of Vettel as his next team-mate.
“Sebastian’s an ideal particular person and he is a four-time world champion and for positive his character is missed on the grid and I feel it is vital that we’ve one of the best 20 drivers on the earth all competing for race wins and championships,” said Russell.
“So, as I stated earlier than, I am actually glad and open to have anyone as my team-mate, you understand, whether or not it is world champion, whether or not it is a rookie, it would not change how I am going about my enterprise. And yeah, as I stated, we’ll welcome anyone.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s stay Japanese GP schedule
Friday April 5
3am: Japanese GP Apply One (session begins at 3.30am)*
6.45am: Japanese GP Apply Two (session begins at 7am)*
8.15am: The F1 Present*
10am: Japanese GP Apply One replay
11.30am: Japanese GP Apply Two replay
Saturday April 6
3.15am: Japanese GP Apply Three (session begins at 3.30am)*
6am: Japanese GP Qualifying build-up*
7am: Japanese GP Qualifying*
9am: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book*
9.30am: Japanese GP Qualifying replay
Sunday April 7
5am: Grand Prix Sunday Japanese GP build-up*
6am: The JAPANESE GRAND PRIX*
8am: Chequered Flag: Japanese GP response*
9am: Ted’s Pocket book*
9.30am: Japanese Grand Prix highlights*
10.30am: Japanese Grand Prix replay
*additionally stay on Sky Sports activities Fundamental Occasion
Components 1’s greatest ever season continues with the Japanese Grand Prix, stay on Sky Sports activities F1 this weekend. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
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