“Sebastian is someone you can’t dismiss. » Toto Wolff did not want to be definitive, Friday, at a press conference as part of the Japanese Grand Prix, when he was questioned about the possible arrival of Sebastian Vettel (36 years old) at Mercedes in 2025. The quadruple world champion, retired since the end of the 2022 season, himself spoke of frequent contacts with the Austrian team boss but not necessarily to discuss this free seat at Mercedes, alongside George Russell, after the Lewis Hamilton’s announced departure from Ferrari at the end of the season.
“His track record is phenomenal and, sometimes, taking a break is good to find motivation”
Toto Wolff on Sebastian Vettel
The German team has young hopeful Kimi Antonelli in its academy and must decide whether the Italian, who is playing this season in Formula 2, has the shoulders to show in F1.
On Vettel, Wolff continued: “I think his track record is phenomenal and sometimes taking a break is good to regain motivation. We have not made any decisions at this time and do not plan to do so in the coming weeks. I know that the market is very active, that there are very good drivers ready to sign for other teams but from our side, we want to continue the discussions and keep our options open. It is too early to commit to a driver, whether very young or very experienced. The next few months will tell us more. »
Since his departure from F1, Vettel has not remained inactive. He recently tested, on the Motorland Aragon track, the Porsche 963 entered in the World Endurance Championship by Team Penske in association with the German manufacturer.
