Sebastian Vettel ‘tempted’ to make Formula 1 return after talks with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff

Former Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has said that he could be “tempted” by the possibility of a comeback to the sport following talks with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

Mercedes are on a hunt for a new driver after Lewis Hamilton stated that he would be leaving the Silver Arrows for Ferrari after an 11-year association. Meanwhile, a four-time champion with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, Vettel had announced his retirement at the end of the 2022 season. He had spent the later years of his career at Ferrari and Aston Martin in a two-year stint.

The 36-year-old has stated that a talk with multiple team bosses has prompted him to consider a comeback.

“I am speaking to Toto. I don’t know if that qualifies as Mercedes, but about other things,” Vettel told Sky Sports News.

“I’m talking to a lot of people because I know them, but not very specific. It (return) does cross my mind, I do think about it, but it’s not the main thought,” the German added.

“I have three kids at home, it’s busy every day, so there’s a lot of other thoughts I have. There are ideas that I have.

“Events that I’m planning going forward, so I did speak to a lot of other team principals as well, and not only about racing. There’s thoughts, but nothing concrete at the minute.”

Vettel also added that he was surprised by Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes. “I was surprised like I guess most of us were,” he said.

“But it is exciting. Obviously he’s looking for a new challenge and it will be different to see him in red, in a different colour.”

Vettel remained tight-lipped about a possible return through a maiden appearance in the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours endurance racing, having spent time with Porsche’s contender for the event.

“I’ve been testing. I was curious, so I wanted to see how it feels. It’s obviously a different discipline. It’s still racing, but it’s a different car, different discipline.

“I am (tempted) and I’m not. I am obviously also looking for lots of other things and there’s lots of other things that do interest me outside of racing.”

Hamilton sees worthy successor in Vettel

Meanwhile, Hamilton has cited the talk of Vettel’s probable return and association with Mercedes as an “amazing option”.

“I would love for Seb to come back and I think it would be an amazing option for the team (Mercedes).

“German driver, multi-world championship winning driver, and someone who has amazing values who would continue to take the team forward. I’d love it if he came back,” Hamilton remarked ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.

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