George Russell is adamant that he is “open” to the challenge provided from whoever Mercedes selects to partner him at the team from the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Mercedes is assessing the options to fill the void that Lewis Hamilton will vacate at the end of this campaign when he embarks on his newest venture with Ferrari.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has reiterated that all options are on the table, but he has tipped Russell to step up and slot into a more senior team position.
Following three seasons with Williams, Russell was promoted to Mercedes in 2022 and thrived to land his maiden F1 win and outscore Hamilton 275 points to 240.
Despite rueing missed chances last term, the Briton has rebounded amid a tough start to 2024 for Mercedes to beat his illustrious team-mate in the first four races.
Amid rumours Sebastian Vettel could contemplate a return to the sport, Russell was asked whether he would welcome another multi-time F1 champion at Mercedes.
“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,” Russell answered.
“And I think it’s important that we have the best 20 drivers in the world all competing for race wins and championships.
“So, as I said before… I’m really happy and open to have anybody as my team-mate.
“Whether it’s [a] 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.
Vettel elected to retire from F1 at the end of 2022, but he has reiterated on several occasions that he could not close the door on a potential comeback in the future.
With speculation continuing to link him with the available Mercedes seat, the German has hinted that the premise of a competitive car could entice him to return to F1.
Asked if he was tempted by a 2025 seat, Vettel told Sky F1: “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.
“I retired from Formula 1 not to come back, but I also did say that you never know. So I think it still stands.
“Obviously, there’s things that I miss, which is mostly the competition.
“And things that I don’t miss, so that hasn’t changed. Obviously, life is very different if you’re not involved and I do enjoy that still.
“You never know where life is taking you, so maybe it takes me back behind the wheel, maybe it doesn’t.”
While Vettel revealed that he’s held conversations with long-time confidant Wolff, he addressed that such discussions weren’t initiated due to the Mercedes situation.
“I’ve had conversations with him, not really about the seat. We did speak about the whole situation in short as well,” he added.
“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. We’ll see if they will turn out or not.
“So I am staying in touch. I don’t know. It has to be a couple more phone calls and conversations, I guess, 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 last years.
“But then struggle and you’re still second and third in the Constructors’ [Championship], it’s not like you’re racing in no man’s land.”
