Hamilton: Vettel an ‘amazing’ option for Mercedes

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Lewis Hamilton has publicly endorsed the candidacy of his former long-time F1 rival Sebastian Vettel as his successor at Mercedes for 2025.

Vettel, a four-time F1 champion himself, retired from the sport at the close of the 2022 season.

However, recent conversations with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff suggest a potential change of heart and a return to the grid for the 36-year-old German.

Such a comeback would not be unprecedented, with Michael Schumacher, Kimi Raikkonen, and Fernando Alonso all successfully returning to the fray in F1.

“You’re always going to miss it,” Hamilton told the media ahead of this weekend’s Japanese GP. “It’s the greatest sport in the world, the greatest experience in the world.

“It’s the most amazing feeling to be working with a group of people towards winning and achieving something.

“For me, there’s nothing that’s ever going to feel the same.”

Read also: Vettel ‘potentially’ in the market for F1 seat – talking to Wolff

Hamilton has thrown his weight behind Vettel’s comeback, highlighting the latter’s experience, talent, and shared values as a perfect fit for the Mercedes team.

“I would love for Seb to come back,” said the Briton. “I think he would be an amazing option for the team.

“A German driver, a multi-world championship-winning driver; someone who has got amazing values and can continue to take this team forward, I would love it if he came back.”

Mercedes’ coveted 2025 seat alongside George Russell has predictably also attracted the interest of Carlos Sainz, whom Hamilton is set to replace at Ferrari, and of Fernando Alonso.

Hamilton detailed the traits and qualities he hopes Mercedes will consider during their search for his successor.

“I think the only thing I would care about is that the team takes on someone with integrity and is aligned with the team and where the team is going,” he said.

“Someone with compassion that’s able to work with really great people and continue to lift them up. There are so many great people in this team.

“As drivers, there are some who are more selfish than others, there are some who are good drivers but perhaps not the best in a team environment.

“They’ve already got George [Russell], he’s perfect for the team, finding a good match beside him, they’ve got so many options.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.