With Hamilton heading to Ferrari at the conclusion of the 2024 season, Toto Wolff is searching for a short-term replacement for the seven-time world champion with Vettel touted as one of the options for the Silver Arrows.
The legendary German racer called time on his illustrious F1 career at the end of the 2022 season but has since refused to rule out a return.
“I would love for Seb to come back and I think it would be an amazing option for the team,” Hamilton said when pressed about the rumours ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
“German driver, multi-world championship winning driver, and someone who has amazing values who would continue to take the team forward. I’d love it if he came back.”
Stating his hopes for the next Mercedes driver, Hamilton 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 go… 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.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: /sport/football . Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
