In the current landscape of Formula One, a plethora of unforeseen actions have emerged, ranging from driver transfers to the introduction of fresh car updates for the upcoming season.
Amidst the dynamic atmosphere, a new rumour has surfaced indicating the potential return of the four-time World Champion, Sebastian Vettel, to the paddock in the near future.
Is Sebastian Vettel going to make his F1 comeback?
Rapid speculations have been ongoing on the paddock about Sebastian Vettel contemplating returning to full-time racing in the 2024 season. The 36-year-old might consider returning by taking part in the 2024 World Endurance Championship.
According to the reports, Vettel was also involved in discussions with the customer Porsche team Jota and is exploring the possibility of joining their lineup for the upcoming season, as the team is all set up to hire a driver who has the willpower to lead them to success in their second Porsche 963. However, the decision is still yet to be fully confirmed due to the significant responsibilities revolving around it.
e obviamente como engenheiro de fluidos temos Sebastian Vettel, também fazendo seu comeback com gasolinas sustentáveis e reposição eletrolítica a base de mel para os nossos pilotos
— lulu mcqueen | ⚡️ (@Luadogalo) February 9, 2024
"everybody is a Galo's Racing fan 🤷🏻♀️" pic.twitter.com/YQUTaUJBV4
At Suzuka last week, F1 journalist Michael Schmidt asked him about this ongoing speculation, to which he replied, “Nothing has been signed or decided yet. But I have the matter in the back of my mind. I still have time to decide.”
“If at some point I come to the conclusion that it doesn’t work without racing, then I will drive again.”
Who can replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes?
Lewis Hamilton’s departure has left a wide gap to fill for Mercedes now. The seven-time World Champion has been in the team for ages, securing consecutive championships; however, in his absence in the 2025 season, the team has to search for a talent who has the potential to surpass him on the tracks.
Mercedes have been urged to sign the best driver they possibly can to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025.
— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) February 9, 2024
If you thought Lewis in a Ferrari was crazy, just think about Max in a Merc…#F1 #MaxVerstappen #LewisHamilton pic.twitter.com/QKkRE3q2EP
Some of the drivers whose names are emerging as potential candidates for the role of Mercedes’s primary drivers include Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon, Alex Albon, Andrea Kim Antonelli, and lastly, Carlos Sainz. One of the exceptions among the drivers is Antonelli, who will be driving as a Formula 2 driver this year; however, the young talent is capable enough to be promoted as a Formula One driver in a short period of time.
Other than that, all of these drivers have been improving their driving capabilities consistently on the grid for a while now. It is highly probable that Mercedes will select one of the drivers mentioned to finalise their team members for the 2025 season.
Who do you think is the most capable of driving as one of Mercedes’s main drivers? Let us know in the comment section below.
