George Russell believes Sebastian Vettel is “missed” in Formula 1, speaking amid rumours that the German driver could partner him at Mercedes next season.
With Lewis Hamilton Ferrari-bound for 2025, the open seat alongside Russell at Mercedes will be one of the most hotly-contested fights in this year’s driver market.
A number of names have been listed as potential Mercedes suitors, from Fernando Alonso to Carlos Sainz to F2 rookie and Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli. Even Max Verstappen is thought to be in the mix, if he does decide to leave Red Bull.
In recent weeks, however, Vettel has emerged as another option worthy of consideration.
The 36-year-old, who recently tested a Porsche Le Mans Hypercar at Aragon, conceded he does “flirt” with the idea of returning to F1, and he has previously confirmed conversations with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
“Sebastian's a great person and he's a four-time world champion,” Russell told media including RacingNews365 when asked how he would feel if Vettel was to team up with him at Mercedes next year.
“For sure, his personality is missed on the grid, and I think it's important that we have the best 20 drivers in the world all competing for race wins and championships.”
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'It doesn't change how I go about my business'
Wolff himself has previously acknowledged the possibility of Vettel returning to F1 with Mercedes, saying he is “someone you can never discount”.
With four Drivers’ titles and 53 race wins to his name, the German driver is the most decorated option for the Brackley-based team – despite retiring at the end of the 2022 season.
But amid so many names being thrown around as potential replacements for Hamilton, Russell isn’t getting drawn in.
“I’m really happy and open to have anybody as my team-mate,” the 26-year-old commented.
“Whether it's world champion, whether it's a rookie, it doesn't change how I go about my business. And as I said before, we’d welcome anybody.”
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