Never discount the “phenomenal” Vettel, according to Mercedes CEO Wolff

After four times around the globe champion Sebastian Vettel intimated he would rejoin Formula One to take Lewis Hamilton’s seat, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff said on Friday that “you can never discount” Vettel.

Wolff, who must take over for seven-time world champion Hamilton at Mercedes next year, and Vettel, who announced his retirement in 2022, had discussions earlier this week.

After 11 years with the Silver Arrows, Hamilton announced in February that he was quitting to join Ferrari at the conclusion of the current season.

Before the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, race director Christian Wolff praised Vettel’s “phenomenal” record while emphasizing that Hamilton’s replacement has not yet been decided by the team.

“It’s not something that we plan to do in the next few weeks,” he said.

The market for drivers is quite active. A few of the best players are on the verge of signing with other organizations.

“We want to continue to have discussions and keep the options open, but at this stage it’s much too early to commit to a driver,” he said.

With Red Bull, Vettel won four world championships between 2010 and 2013.

After spending six years with Ferrari and two with Aston Martin, he announced his retirement from Formula One at the conclusion of the 2022 season.

On Thursday, Hamilton endorsed his erstwhile opponent, stating that he would “love for Seb to come back” and describing him as “an amazing option” for Mercedes.

Wolff was kind about the 36-year-old German as well.

“Sebastian is someone that you can never discount,” he said.

“He has an amazing record.

“Sometimes taking a break is also good to re-evaluate what is important for you and find your motivation.”

Hamilton will take up Carlos Sainz’s seat at Ferrari, and Mercedes has been connected to a number of drivers to replace him.

Max Verstappen, the three-time world champion, is supposedly at the top of Wolff’s desire list.

Son of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, Mick Schumacher, and highly regarded young Italian F2 driver Kimi Antonelli have also been considered.

Wolff said that his staff has a shortlist in mind, but he would not disclose the number of individuals.

In addition, he expressed excitement in evaluating the 17-year-old Antonelli.

“He’s been our young boy for a long time and we’re keen to see what he is able to do in a Formula One car,” he said.