Mercedes allows him to quietly consider options to replace Lewis Hamilton, who has decided to continue his career at Ferrari. This week, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel suddenly appeared on the shortlist. He seems logical: an honest driver and not yet old (Seb is two and a half years younger than Lewis), and also German. But no, this is a bad option for Mercedes.
What do the driver, Mercedes and Hamilton think about Vettel’s comeback?
How did all the talk about Vettel start? It is clear that his candidacy was remembered as soon as Hamilton announced his “escape” to Maranello, but then Sebastian was included in all kinds of selections rather as a matter of quantity. That same week, as part of a promotional tour for one of the energy drinks (no, not Red Bull), the German began giving interviews; Among other things, they asked him about the possibility of returning to Formula 1 and potential negotiations with Mercedes. . It was then that it became clear that Vettel was indeed in contact with Toto Wolff.
“We spoke to Toto on the phone, but not specifically about the fact that I could take Lewis’ place, but about what is happening at Mercedes,” Vettel admitted.
Then the German launched into philosophical discussions about a possible return to F1: “Return? Of course I think about it. I’ve really enjoyed life the last year and a half, spending time with my kids. I hope you had fun with me too. Sometimes the child tells me that it is not necessary for me to return anywhere, because then I will be absent frequently. Maybe my mood will change, but for now everything is fine.
This is a very serious question. I understand that there are 24 races in Formula 1, I know from experience how I would like to organize my time if I return. There is nothing wrong with having other interests in my life. These are the things I want to know more about.”
Vettel receives environmental award
Photo: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
In general, as journalists like to conclude, “he did not confirm it, but he did not deny it either.” Then they started asking Wolf about Seb and who arranged the free cabin in the Mercedes.
“I would like Seb to come back,” Hamilton said. “I think he would be a great fit for the team.” German runner, multiple world champion. Someone who has amazing qualities can continue to move this team forward. I would be glad if he came back.”
Well, here are Wolf’s words: “Sebastian is a person who should never be discounted. I think his track record is phenomenal, and sometimes a break can be good to do some soul-searching, figure out what’s important to you, and hone your motivation.”
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So Hamilton is practically asking Mercedes to choose one of the biggest rivals of his career, and Wolff is at least politely including Seb in the potential list of candidates. However, The Race insider says that, in reality, Vettel is not one of the drivers that Mercedes is really interested in, and this is more than understandable. Let’s go point by point.
1. Probably everyone already knows that Mercedes is actively preparing the promising Andrea Kimi Antonelli for his debut in Formula 1. At the insistence of the Germans, the 17-year-old Antonelli jumped into Formula 3 and is already racing in F2 this season. If Andrea Kimi is successful, in 2025 or at most 2026 he will make his F1 debut, either immediately at Mercedes or in a “simpler” team like Williams, where Logan Sargent’s second car is idle.
At the same time, Mercedes already has one student on its list: just 26-year-old George Russell. Yes, the Briton remains unstable, but still he did not give any clear reason to think about parting with himself, and even more so for the veteran Vettel, and not for the conditional Max Verstappen. So why is Vettel here? The team may need a veteran for a couple of years, but is Seb himself interested in coming out of “retirement” just to “make room” for Antonelli?
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2. Bringing Vettel back for a couple of years would still make sense if Mercedes remained the dominant force in F1. Then Seb would have time to reap a new harvest of victories and, God willing, titles, achieve success with another team and leave. Well, or become another runner who runs successfully from 40 years old. But Mercedes’ current form shows that at least in 2025 the Germans will not have much success. And what is Seb’s motivation?
3. Nobody knows what Seb’s form will be after a two-year break. Unfortunately, history shows that even great champions like Michael Schumacher are not doing well after a layoff. But let’s not use the example of Alonso: during the two years of absence from F1, the Spaniard raced whenever he could, staying in excellent shape. Still, it took him a while to ride with much power. Hulkenberg was on the bench for three seasons, but worked as a reserve driver for the F1 team and participated in several Grands Prix.
At the same time, both Schumacher and Alonso left F1 at the peak of their abilities, but the same cannot be said for Vettel’s final seasons. Seb failed in his farewell season at Ferrari and then spent two good, but not outstanding, championships with Aston Martin. Yes, he was also ahead of Lance Stroll, but not as seriously as Alonso is now.
Sebastian Vettel helps the bees
Photo: Mark Thompson/Getty Images
Seb remembered his friend Kimi Raikkonen in the last years of his career: both drivers did their job professionally, without dropping below a certain level and achieving a certain result thanks to the accumulated experience and skills. At the same time, Seb and Kimi no longer seemed “the same” as they were compared to Schumacher or someone greater.
Therefore, we have a “non-main” Vettel stepping into a “non-main” Mercedes and, furthermore, the threat of soon giving up his cockpit to a young graduate of the team does not work at all.
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4. Mercedes has much more proven options. First of all, you can take and sign Carlos Sainz right now; We believe that he would be satisfied with a two-season contract, after which both parties would decide whether to continue the cooperation or not. The Spaniard’s form at the moment hardly raises any doubts among anyone in the paddock. Furthermore, Mercedes will unknowingly upset its Audi competitors by not allowing them to get such a strong driver.
You can also bring your own Okon student. It is unlikely that anyone would consider him a top-level driver, but Alonso Esteban performed almost on equal terms. Perfect at least for the role of “bridge” between Hamilton and Antonelli. He is also a much more reliable option than Vettel, although not as interesting from a marketing point of view.
Vettel’s wife, Hannah Sprater (center) and Seb himself.
Photo: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
5. Finally, let’s return to the topic of family. Vettel has said more than once that the children are growing up and he wants to spend more time with his family at the moment. Judging by recent interviews, this desire has not disappeared anywhere, family life does not cause Sebastian horror or desire to be away from home. And the F1 calendar continues to grow and no one has canceled sponsorship events. And why leave your family?
Yes, Formula 1 attracts all drivers, especially if they are still young and feel capable of performing at a high level. But when the car is not the fastest and they don’t count on you in the long term, that comeback will seem at least strange.
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