Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said on Friday he would not rule out recruiting retired Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel to replace the departing Lewis Hamilton next season.

Vettel, 36, has said he was potentially in the market for a 2025 comeback and was talking to Wolff and others. Hamilton, who is joining Ferrari, said on Thursday the German driver would be an amazing option for the German manufacturer.

“Sebastian is someone that you can never discount,” Wolff said when asked whether he would be interested in the four-time world champion.

“I think his track record is phenomenal. And sometimes maybe taking a break is also good to re-evaluate what’s important for you and refine your motivation.”

While Wolff said he had a shortlist of drivers in mind, a decision was not imminent.

“At that stage, I think it’s much too early for us to commit to a driver, whether very young or whether very experienced ... the next few months will give us more clues.”

Hamilton said on Thursday that he believes Vettel would be an “amazing option” to replace him at Mercedes next year.

“I would love for Seb to come back and I think it would be an amazing option for the team.

“A 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,” the seven-time world champion said.

“The only thing I care about is that the team takes on someone with integrity,” said Hamilton. “Someone compassionate who’s able to work with great people and lift them up.”