Sebastian Vettel Confirms Discussion With Mercedes Chief Amidst Reports of Formula 1 Return

• Mercedes are actively in search of a replacement for the departing Lewis Hamilton
• The German team CEO has reportedly contacted former champion, Sebastien Vettel
• The retired driver has confirmed the reports of his contact with the Mercedes Chief

Mercedes' search for a replacement for the departing Lewis Hamilton continues to gain momentum, as the 2024 Formula 1 season gets into full swing.

The Brackley-based team, having assumed they had their drivers’ line-up all sorted for the foreseeable future, were dealt a huge blow following the announcement of the 39-year-old joining Ferrari from the 2025 season.

Nonetheless, the German constructors’ search for a replacement for Hamilton have seen them linked with a flurry of established names in the sport, including Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz and retired driver, Sebastien Vettel.

Despite being retired, the rumours of Vettel's potential return to the track persist, with reports suggesting that Mercedes CEO, Toto Wolff, has reached out to discuss the possibility.

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However, amidst the speculation, Vettel has disclosed details of his conversation with Wolff, adding to the intrigue surrounding his potential comeback.

Vettel discloses details of Wolff chat

In an interview with Swiss outlet Neue Zurcher Zeitung, the 36-year-old was quizzed about the chat he had with the Mercedes chief and the prospect of his return to the sports with the German constructor.

When questioned about the rumours of his discussions with Mercedes, he explained,

"Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff didn't give me a call, but we briefly exchanged text messages. However, it's not a concern for me at this point, especially since, at 36, I still have plenty of time. This situation isn't going away. However, my intentions remain unchanged."

Pressed on whether a return to F1 was out of the question, Vettel insisted,

"No, I've already mentioned before that there wouldn't be a definitive no in that regard because I believe everything is a process. There might come a time when I say, 'Yes, I'd like to return,' once I've resolved things mentally so that it makes sense again. But currently, I'm content without racing in Formula 1. There's no definite no, but also no definite yes."

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The seemingly diplomatic response of the four-time drivers’ champion undoubtedly doesn't solve the puzzling question of who will drive the Mercedes alongside Geirge Russell in 2025. However, it adds another layer of intrigue to what has continued to be a much-talked-about topic in the F1 circus.

Formula 1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix preview

In another report, Sports Brief provided an in-depth preview and prediction for the second race of the 2024 season.

The Saudi Grand Prix could see Red Bull asserting their dominance in a season that seems to be mirroring 2023.

Max Verstappen is expected to secure his 56th career win at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.