Lewis Hamilton would "love it" if his old rival Sebastian Vettel came out of retirement to replace him at Mercedes.
Hamilton is joining Ferrari at the end of the year and leaves boss Toto Wolff with the unenviable task of replacing a seven-time Formula 1 champion. As a four-time title winner himself, Vettel's experience could go a long way to filling that void.
The German hinted this week that he could consider an F1 return and has spoken with Wolff, though not specifically about the vacant 2025 seat. Regardless, Hamilton thinks it would be a brilliant move for his soon-to-be former team to make.
Quizzed about it ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, he said: "I would love for Seb to come back and I think it would be an amazing option for the team. German driver, multi-world championship winning driver and someone who has amazing values who would continue to take the team forward. I'd love it if he came back."
Hamilton's decision to join Ferrari was made to give himself the best chance of winning an eighth F1 title before retirement. Because of his focus on his own career, he admits he has given "zero" thought up to now as to who should fill his shoes at Mercedes.
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He added: "The only thing I really care about is that the team takes on someone with integrity and that is aligned with the team and where the team's going. Someone compassionate that's able to work with great people and continues to lift them up. There's so many great people in this team.
"And as drivers go... There are some that are more selfish than others. There are some that are good drivers but perhaps not the best within the team environment, I don't know, because I've not been in with all of them. But I hope they find someone great."
George Russell has already been backed by Wolff to lead the team into the future. Asked about the prospect of linking up with Vettel from next year, the 26-year-old said: "For sure, his personality is missed. I'm really happy and open to having anybody as my team mate. Whether it's a world champion or a rookie, it doesn't change how I go about my business."
Teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli is understood to be the main candidate for the Mercedes seat in the long-term. However, given he is still only 17, Wolff knows he may need someone else to race for his team for a year or two until the Italian starlet is ready for the responsibility.
Vettel would be an ideal option in such a scenario, and admits to having given some thought to the idea of an F1 comeback. He said: "There are ideas that I have, events that I'm planning going forwards, so I did speak to a lot of other team principals as well, and not only about racing. There are thoughts, but nothing concrete at the minute."
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