Sebastian Vettel is believed to be one of the main candidates to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next season.

Sebastian Vettel claims he’s ‘talking to Toto Wolff’ amidst rumors of replacing Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Sebastian Vettel retired from Formula 1 at the end of 2022. The four-time world champion has been on a break from racing since. However, the German driver recently tested the Porsche 963 Hypercar with rumors surfacing of a return to motorsport. Now, Vettel has revealed that he has been in contact with Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff.

Previously, the 36-year-old claimed that he was flirting with the idea of an F1 comeback. Toto Wolff had even left the door open for Sebastian Vettel at Mercedes. The four-time world champion was asked if he had thought about coming out of retirement. The German driver confessed that he had thought of making a return. However, Vettel claimed that it was not his main thought as he has had quite a busy life with three kids at home.

Obviously it does cross my mind I do think about it but it’s not the main thought. I have three kids at home it’s busy everyday so there’s lots of thoughts that I have.
Sebastian Vettel told Sky News

The four-time world champion admitted that he has spoken to Toto Wolff in the past few weeks. However, the 36-year-old did not mention if the conversations were about him replacing Lewis Hamilton next year. Vettel highlighted that he had plans for multiple different ideas and events for the future. As such, the German driver claimed that he had been in contact with several Team Principals this year, to not discuss only racing.

I’m speaking to Toto [Wolff] if that qualifies as Mercedes. There’s other things, ideas that I have, events that I’m planning.. so I did speak to a lot of other team principals as well and not only about racing.
Sebastian Vettel explained
Could we see Sebastian Vettel back in Formula 1 some time soon?

He tells us he’s been talking to Toto Wolff CEO of Mercedes – and others 👀 #KayBurley PO pic.twitter.com/ANPPhpBlg2

— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) April 3, 2024
Sebastian Vettel admits he misses the thrill and competition of F1
Sebastian Vettel further mentioned that there were certain aspects of Formula 1 which still excited him and kept him thinking. On the other hand, a few things did not seem to motivate the 36-year-old for a return to the grid.

I don’t know.. there’s bits that do excite me ofcourse and I think about it. But there’s also bits that don’t.
Sebastian Vettel noted

Moreover, when Vettel was asked about what did he miss about F1, the four-time world champion mentioned that it was the thrill, speed and the competition. The German driver reckoned that driving some of the fastest cars in the world was not the only reason for missing the sport. As Sebastian Vettel highlighted the stiff competition on the grid.

[I miss] the thrill, the speed, I think the competition mostly. Driving quick is not the only thing but it’s really the competition.
Sebastian Vettel stated
Sebastian Vettel has not dismissed the chance of returning to Formula 1 in the future. The German driver has been vague about his discussions with Toto Wolff. However, it seems that the four-time world champion remains interested. Certainly, fans would love to see Vettel make a shock comeback from his retirement potentially next season.