Lewis Hamilton‘s bombshell move to Ferrari has caused a stir in the F1 driver market. A majority of the drivers on the grid are keen to be a part of the Silver Arrows. Amidst this, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has emerged as one of the top contenders for Hamilton’s seat. However, ex-F1 champion Damon Hill has raised concerns over the German driver.
Damon Hill applauded the early stage of Sebastian Vettel‘s career in Formula 1. However, Hill also claimed that after joining Ferrari, it seemed that for the 36-year-old F1 became more of a ‘job’. Hence, if the Briton were in the place of a team leader, he wouldn’t ‘risk’ signing Vettel once again at Mercedes. Anyhow, Toto Wolff had recently applauded the four-time world champion’s career and signaled a possibility of Vettel joining Brackley. However, Wolff has claimed that Kimi Antonelli was in the strongest position to replace Hamilton.
It was great early in his career and then when it got tough on Ferrari and the like, it became a kind of job, So, as team leader, would you risk it regaining its shape? I wouldn't, frankly Damon Hill said on the F1 show (H&T: soymotor.com).
Sebastian Vettel couldn’t perform very well during his last years at Aston Martin. Upon this, Damon Hill reckoned that ‘something happened’ to the German driver which led to his retirement in 2022. Additionally, Hill didn’t hesitate to acknowledge that the four-time world champion was ‘stumbling’ in terms of performance during his final years in the sport. The 63-year-old also mentioned that he never saw the ‘old and dominant’ Vettel again.
It shone in its own light over a very intense period, and then something happened, It went out and was stumbling, I never really saw that form of youth Vettel that was dominant. Damon Hill noted.
Sebastian Vettel claims F1 return depends on the ‘package’
Sebastian Vettel has fueled the rumors of his return, claiming that the German driver has been in contact with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff. Recently, Vettel commented that he kept himself updated about everything that was happening in the F1 paddock. However, according to the 36-year-old, his return to Formula 1 would depend highly on the ‘complete package’.
Obviously ... I follow the sport, I see what is happening. And it can be attractive and interesting, but it really depends on the complete package. Sebastian Vettel told on the Chris Moyles Show.
Apart from this, Vettel joked that he felt ‘very young’ as compared to the other drivers. Veterans like Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and others have been racing even after the German driver’s retirement. Also, age isn’t a limitation for the four-time world champion as despite returning, he wouldn’t be the oldest driver on the grid.
From an age point of view, I feel very young, as all the pilots I grew up with keep running and signing big contracts, ¡and they have been here longer! Sebastian Vettel noted.
Sebastian Vettel’s return might be highly beneficial for Mercedes keeping in mind his career in Formula 1. However, the German driver would need to get up to speed from day 1 after being on a two-year hiatus. Mercedes would like to make the final call in the coming weeks. It remains to be seen if Vettel could make a shock return to the sport next season.
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