Russell Gives Verdict On Vettel Possibly Becoming His Teammate Amid Comeback Talks

Saturday, 06 April 2024 at 01:30

George Russell knows that he will have a new teammate in Mercedes in the 2025 season, but he still doesn't know who will it be.

After Lewis Hamilton announced that he would join Ferrari after 12 season with the German team, a new opportunity opened for many drivers, as Mercedes is one of the front-runners in Formula One.

The eight-time World Constructors' Championships winners haven't really contested for wins over the past three seasons, but they regularly place on podiums, and that's a spot interesting for many drivers.

Since the seven-time World Champion's announcement, many names were discussed in relation to the other Mercedes seat alongside Russell. Carlos Sainz, two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso, 17-year-old prodigy Kimi Antonelli, and even four-time World Champion Max Verstappen.

Recently, another name joined the mix, as Sebastian Vettel suggested that he may be interested in making a comeback to Formula One, but he said that he needs an interesting offer to do that.

Joining Mercedes would certainly be an interesting offer, and the 36-year-old has already admitted that he talked to the Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff.

Ahead of the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, Russell, who is the only signed Mercedes driver for the 2025 season, was asked about Vettel's possible move to the team.

Read also

Hamilton Hoping His Team Doesn't 'Make Too Many Changes And Mess It Up'

"Yeah, I mean, Sebastian's a great person and he's a four-time world champion and 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."

Despite saying that the German's presence is missed, Russell doesn't really have a preference to who his teammate could be. He previously said that he's ready to challenge anyone after driving alongside arguably the greatest driver of all time, and he stands by that.

"So, as I said before... I'm really happy and open to have anybody as my teammate, you know, whether it's world champion, whether it's a rookie, it doesn't change how I go about my business. And yeah, as I said, we'll welcome anybody."