Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff admitted on Friday in the shadow of the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix that Sebastian Vettel is a candidate to succeed Lewis Hamilton at the end of this season.
“What he has achieved in Formula 1 is phenomenal. Sebastian is someone we cannot leave out of consideration,” Wolff told the media present. “We have a shortlist, but a decision has certainly not been made yet and that will not change in the coming weeks.”
Earlier this week it was leaked that Vettel and Wolff had held talks. The now 36-year-old four-time world champion (2010-2013) could well become the replacement for Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion announced a few weeks ago that he will make the high-profile switch to major competitor Ferrari after this season.
The top candidate for the seat is Max Verstappen, but Red Bull team boss Christian Horner emphasized once again on Friday that the Dutch three-time world champion will “one hundred percent certainly” stay with Red Bull Racing. Verstappen is still under contract until 2028.
Carlos Sainz will have to step up again at Ferrari to make way for Hamilton, while former world champion Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) is also mentioned at Mercedes. “After this season we will see a very dynamic pilot market,” Wolff looked ahead. “Half of the grid will then be without a team. So we keep all options open. The coming months may provide more clarity.