Toto Wolff reopens the door for ‘F1 giant’ Sebastian Vettel’s SHOCK comeback to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Toto Wolff had previously ruled out Sebastian Vettel as a candidate for the Silver Arrows. However, Vettel has mentioned that he could potentially return to F1 in the future.

Toto Wolff reopens the door for ‘F1 giant’ Sebastian Vettel’s SHOCK comeback to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Toto Wolff [L] Sebastian Vettel [C] Lewis Hamilton [R](images via IMAGO)

Mercedes has found itself in a tricky spot since Lewis Hamilton decided to join Ferrari in 2025. Toto Wolff needs to find a replacement who could fill in the shoes of the seven-time world champion. A few drivers are rumored to be in contention including 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli. Now, Wolff has once again commented on the chances of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel replacing Hamilton.

Previously, rumors had surfaced that Vettel could make an F1 comeback and join Mercedes. The German driver had retired from the sport at the end of 2022. However, Toto Wolff had previously ruled out such a move, claiming that the 36-year-old was done with F1. Sebastian Vettel recently commented on the rumors and made it clear that he was in no rush to return to the sport. However, the four-time champion did not rule out an F1 comeback.

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Recently, Wolff highlighted that Sebastian Vettel was a great person and undoubtedly one of the biggest names in F1. Moreover, the 52-year-old claimed that Vettel still had the speed, potentially hinting that the German driver would be quick enough to compete in the sport again.

Sebastian is a great guy and a giant of this sport. I think he still has the speed.
Toto Wolff told Sky Germany

However, the Mercedes team boss gave a timeframe of three to four races when the Silver Arrows finally decided the direction for its Hamilton replacement. The Austrian billionaire claimed that the team might opt for a young driver for the long term. Although, Brackley might even be inclined to have an experienced driver for the short term. This would allow for someone like Kimi Antonelli to gain enough experience for F1.

After three or four races, we have to decide whether to go for youth or experience. Or do we optimise in the short term and give the youngsters more time to gain experience?

Will Sebastian Vettel replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025?

Sebastian Vettel remains one of the best F1 drivers in the history of the sport. Despite having a couple of poor seasons during the tail-end of his career, Vettel might be a good fit for Mercedes. The four-time world champion has tons of experience which could benefit the Silver Arrows as the team struggles in the ground-effect era of F1.

Sebastian Vettel waves to the crowd.
Sebastian Vettel waves to the crowd (image via IMAGO)

Recently Michael Schumacher‘s brother Ralf Schumacher claimed that Sebastian Vettel was eager to race again. The four-time world champion was even rumored to enter Le Mans with Team Jota-Porsche in 2024. However, things failed to progress between the two parties with no concrete agreement.

Certainly, Mercedes has time to consider Sebastian Vettel as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton. The 36-year-old would add to the Silver Arrows if the team could convince him to end his retirement. Millions of fans across the world would be eagerly waiting to see Vettel make a comeback to the pinnacle of motorsport.

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