Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel said he has been thinking about coming back.
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Vettel won titles for Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, and retired in 2022. Lewis Hamilton is moving to Ferrari, and Mercedes has a vacant seat in 2025, which could be a chance for the German to return.
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“I’m having thoughts that are crossing my mind and thinking about [a return]. But at this stage, my mindset generally hasn’t changed so it really depends on what’s coming up”, said Vettel to BBC Radio 5 Live.
When asked about Mercedes he added: “I’m following the sport and at the minute there’s quite a lot of movement when it comes to drivers, driver market and so on. I’m obviously in contact with a lot of people still. I’m speaking as well to Toto [Wolff] every now and then”.
“It depends I guess but at the minute it’s not the number one priority”, said Vettel. Hamilton and George Russel, his Mercedes teammate, both approved Vettel’s return. “I would love for Seb to come back and I think he would be an amazing option for the team”, said Hamilton.
“Sebastian’s a great person. For sure, his personality is missed on the grid. I’m really happy and open to have anybody as my team-mate, whether it’s a world champion or a rookie, it doesn’t change how I go about my business”, said Russel, ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.