Lewis Hamilton says he would ‘love’ to see Sebastian Vettel return to Mercedes but suggests they may be better prioritising ‘youth’ as his old rival hints at a sensational return to Formula One despite retiring in 2022

Lewis Hamilton says he would “love” to see Sebastian Vettel return to Mercedes and claims his former rival would “continue to take the team forward” following his departure.

Mercedes is looking for a new driver for 2025 and beyond after Hamilton announced in February that he would be leaving Ferrari after 11 years with the team.

Vettel, who won all four of his drivers’ titles with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, has hinted he could replace Hamilton in the Silver Arrows next season.

The 36-year-old left F1 at the end of the 2022 campaign after six years at Ferrari and two with Aston Martin, but has reportedly been speaking to Toto Wolf.

When asked what he thought of Vettel being able to return to the grid for the 2025 campaign and beyond, Hamilton said it would be an ideal scenario for Mercedes.

Mercedes is looking for a new driver to replace Lewis Hamilton, with the Briton set to join Vettel’s former Ferrari team at the end of the season.

“I would love for Seb to come back and I think he would be a fantastic option for the team,” the seven-time champion said during a press conference on Thursday.

“German driver, winner of several world championships and someone with incredible values ​​who would continue to move the team forward. I’d love for him to come back.’

A seat at a top team could help Vettel make the decision to return to the grid, and the 36-year-old admitted he has been in talks with the Mercedes team principal.

‘I’m talking to Toto. “I don’t know if that can be considered Mercedes, but it can be considered other things,” the German told Sky Sports News.

‘I’m talking to a lot of people because I know them, but I’m not very specific. I mean, obviously it crosses my mind, I think about it, but it’s not the main thought.

‘I have three children at home, there is a lot of activity every day, so I have many other thoughts. There are ideas that I have.

‘I’m planning events in the future, so I’ve also spoken to a lot of other team managers, and not just about racing. There are thoughts, but nothing concrete at the moment.’

However, Hamilton, who said he had given “zero” thought to who his successor would be, suggested it could be beneficial for Mercedes to prioritize youth.

He said: ‘The only thing I really care about is that the team hires someone with integrity and who is aligned with the team and where the team is going.

Four-time F1 champion Vettel teased a possible return to the sport earlier this week.

Vettel (pictured left), who retired from F1 at the end of the 2022 season, said he had been in talks with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff (pictured right).

‘Someone compassionate who is able to work with great people and continues to lift them up. There are so many wonderful people on this team.

“And as drivers… there are some who are more selfish than others, there are some who are good drivers but maybe not the best within the team environment, I don’t know because I haven’t been with all of them.” . But I hope they find someone great.

“They already have George and he’s perfect, so by finding a good option next to him, I’m sure they have a lot of good options.”

‘They have so many options. “I think it’s always great to give emerging drivers a chance, so the idea of ​​a young guy coming in to replace me is exciting.”