Toto Wolff has hinted at the possibility of Sebastian Vettel returning to Formula One with Mercedes next season, following Lewis Hamilton's departure to Ferrari in 2024, leaving a vacant spot alongside George Russell. While Wolff disclosed having a shortlist of drivers under consideration, he refrained from revealing specific contenders or the precise number of drivers in contention, maintaining an air of secrecy around Mercedes' driver selection process.
Vettel, who retired from F1 at the end of 2022, recently disclosed discussions with Wolff on matters beyond F1, prompting speculation about a potential comeback. Addressing Vettel's candidacy for a Mercedes drive, Wolff acknowledged the veteran's remarkable track record and emphasized the importance of evaluating motivations and finding renewed purpose, indicating a thorough decision-making process lies ahead for Mercedes.
Amidst deliberations over potential candidates, Mercedes is evaluating junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, currently competing in Formula 2, although Wolff has been cautious not to explicitly name him as a contender. Antonelli is scheduled to test the championship-winning W12 car from 2021 on April 16, but Wolff clarified that this should not be interpreted as confirmation of a future drive, underscoring the need for Antonelli to acclimate to F1 machinery before any decisions are made.
While Mercedes opted against using the 2022 car for Antonelli's test due to its challenging nature, Wolff emphasized the importance of providing him with an opportunity to experience driving a high-performance F1 car. As Antonelli prepares to showcase his potential in F1 machinery, Mercedes remains committed to nurturing young talent while carefully assessing all options for the upcoming season.
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