© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Lewis Hamilton says George Russell is “perfect” for Mercedes, and now they need to find a good match alongside him”, someone with “integrity”, “values” and “compassion”.
Since Lewis Hamilton announced he will leave Mercedes at the end of 2024, many names have been discussed as his possible replacement.
One of them is four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel, who left Formula 1 at the end of 2022.
When asked to comment on Vettel’s possible return to the sport with Mercedes, Lewis said he would love to see that.
“I would love for Seb to come back,” the Briton said ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
“He would be an amazing option for the team. A German driver, a multi-world championship-winning driver, and someone who has got amazing values and continues to take this team forward.
“I’d love it if he came back.”
Although he said he has given “zero” thought on who his replacement will be, he did list the qualities he would love to see in Mercedes’ next driver.
“I think the only thing I really care about is that the team takes on someone with integrity and values that are aligned with the team and where the team is going.
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“Someone with compassion to work with all these great people and continue to lift them up.
“There are so many great people in this team and, as drivers, there are some that are more selfish than others.
“There are some that are good drivers but perhaps not the best within team environments. I don’t know because I’ve not been in with all of them, but I hope they find someone great.
“They’ve already got George [Russell] and he’s perfect for the team so finding a good match alongside him. They’ve got so many options.”
When Mercedes’ junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli was mentioned, Lewis added he loves when young drivers get an opportunity to enter the sport.
“I do think it’s always great to give an opportunity to up-and-coming drivers so the idea of a youngster coming in for me is exciting,” Hamilton concluded.
