Formula 1 RACER Lewis Hamilton has hinted that veteran racer Sebastian Vettel could replace his position as the main driver for the Mercedes team in the 2025 season.
“I want Seb (Vettel) back. I think he would be an extraordinary choice for the team to have a driver who won many world championships, someone who has extraordinary values to continue to take this team forward. I would be happy if he came back, ” said Hamilton, quoted from the official Formula 1 website, Friday (5/4).
Meanwhile, Vettel ended his brilliant career in Formula 1 at the end of 2022 after making almost 300 starts and winning four world titles, 53 wins, 122 podiums, 57 pole positions and more than 3,000 points.
Vettel is also rumored to have spoken with Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff recently, although there is no confirmation regarding what the two of them discussed together.
AFP/WILLIAM WEST—Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton
Wolff himself is looking for a driver to accompany George Russell starting next year, following Hamilton who will move to Ferrari to replace Carlos Sainz.
Also read: Lewis Hamilton denies deciding to leave Ferrari because he lost confidence in the Mercedes team
With the return of veteran drivers such as Kimi Raikkonen, Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso after a long break, Hamilton believes that Formula 1 has its own appeal for experienced drivers.
“This is the greatest sport in the world and the greatest experience in the world. It’s the most incredible feeling to be able to work with a group of people to win and achieve something,” said Hamilton.
Talking about the ideal driver to replace him at Mercedes, the seven-time world champion does not mind if his position is filled by an experienced driver like Vettel or a newcomer like Andrea Kimi Anontelli.
“I think the only thing I really care about is the team taking someone with integrity and values that align with the team,” Hamilton said.
“I’m sure they (Mercedes) have many choices. I think giving opportunities to new drivers is a good thing, so the idea of recruiting young players, I think is an interesting thing,” he concluded. (Ant/Z-1)
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