4-time champ Sebastian Vettel hints at return to Formula One

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel told Sky Sports that he is mulling a return to Formula One in 2025.

Vettel, 36, won his championships with Red Bull from 2010-13. The German recorded 53 victories over 16 years before retiring from F1 at the conclusion of the 2022 season.

Vettel's intentions to return were revealed after he was asked by Sky Sports if he was included in the driver market for 2025.

"Well potentially I am because I haven't got a drive, but the question is, am I looking for one? I think it depends on the package," Vettel said. "I retired from Formula One not to come back but I did say 'you never know,' so ... I think it still stands.

"Obviously there are some things that I miss, which are mostly the competition, and things that I don't miss. That hasn't changed, life is very different if you're not involved (in F1), and I do enjoy that still -- still trying lots of different things."

The departure of Lewis Hamilton will open a spot on the Mercedes team, which is run by Toto Wolff.

"I've had conversations with him, not really about the seat -- we did speak about the whole situation in short as well, but I did speak to others as well because I'm still keeping in touch every now and then. I have some projects and ideas together with F1 and see if they will turn out or not, but I am staying in touch," Vettel said.

"I don't know, it has to be a couple more phone calls and conversations to really find out a little bit more. But for sure it's one of the best seats on the grid. Performance-wise Mercedes has a great track record, struggling a little bit in the past few years, but their struggle is still second and third in the constructors' (championship) so it's not like you are racing in no man's land."