LEWIS HAMILTON has backed Sebastian Vettel to replace him at Mercedes when he quits for Ferrari next season.

The seven time world champion has decided to jump ship to get the best chance of winning a record eighth world title.

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Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025Credit: Rex

Hamilton has backed Sebastian Vettel to succeed him at MercedesCredit: Getty
And that leaves a spot at Mercedes, where Vettel has emerged as a shock candidate to drive alongside George Russell.

Vettel, 36, retired at the end of the 2022 season, but is considering a comeback and has spoken with Merc boss Toto Wolff, with Hamilton thinking it is a great idea.

Speaking ahead of this week’s Japanese GP, Hamilton said: “I would love for Seb to come back. I think it would be an amazing option for the team.

“German driver, multiple world championship-winning driver and someone who has got amazing values to help take this team forward.”

However, Hamilton – who said he had given “zero” thought as to his replacement, reckons Mercedes should opt for a younger driver.

He added: “The only thing I really care about is that the team takes on someone with integrity and that is aligned with the team and where the team’s going.

“Someone compassionate that’s able to work with great people and continues to lift them up. There’s so many great people in this team.

“And as drivers, there are some that are more selfish than others, there are some that are good drivers but perhaps not the best within the team environment.

“I don’t know because I’ve not been in with all of them. But I hope they find someone great.

“They’ve already got George and he’s perfect so finding a good option alongside him I’m sure they’ve got so many good options.
Formula One legend Sebastian Vettel says it would ‘depend on the package’ and ‘the car’ for him get behind the wheel again
“They’ve got so many options. I do think it’s always great to give an opportunity to up and coming drivers so the idea of a youngster coming in for me is exciting.”

Russell was also quizzed about Vettel’s return and added: “His personality is missed on the grid and I think it’s important we have the best 20 drivers in the world competing for race wins and championships.

“I’m really open and happy to have anyone as my teammate, whether it’s a world champion or a rookie.”

Meanwhile, Hamilton, who by his own admission has made his worst start to a season, says he will soon start negotiating with Ferrari about their plans for 2025.

First though he has to clear it with Merc boss Wolff and until then says he is committed to helping turn the team around.

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He said: “At some stage I will have to start the conversation with Toto. I’ve never been in this position at this time of the year.

“When I was leaving McLaren it was towards the end of the season. I had my first seat fit [at Mercedes] after the season was done.

“I’m not quite sure how to navigate it but right now I want to finish on a high here so all my energy is going into this. Of course there’s excitement for the future.

“Right now we’re going through a difficult phase, that’s my challenge and where all my energy is going to try and figure out how we can get ourselves back to the top.

“I’m a competitor first and foremost so I want to win. Thinking about next year is not going to help me do that.”