Formula One legend tipped to make shock U-turn on retirement after Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton’s sensational move to Ferrari has been tipped to lead to the return of one of Formula One’s best-ever drivers despite his recent retirement.

Superstar Hamilton shocked the world of motorsport after deciding to activate a break clause in his Mercedes contract, allowing him to leave and join the Scuderia.

His switch to one of the world’s most recognisable brands will officially come into effect in 2025 and will fulfil a dream he has harboured since his childhood.

Indeed, the move to Ferrari is said to have caught the attention of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who may well look to seal a shock comeback.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Ralf Schumacher, the brother of the legendary Michael Schumacher, lifted the lid on Vettel’s potential return to the top of motorsport.

‘I’ve heard that Sebastian Vettel wants to drive again,’ Schumacher said. ‘Of course, a gap has to be closed now.

‘You saw what was going on on the stock market after Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. That triggered something.’

Vettel, one of F1’s most recognisable faces, retired in 2022 after a glittering career that saw him line up for Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin.

But with Mercedes actively looking to replace Hamilton for 2025, Vettel may well be extended the opportunity to immediately slot back in at the tip of the grid.

Schumacher has questioned, however, whether the step could prove too much.

He added: ‘Whether George Russell has the charisma to replace Lewis Hamilton worldwide in terms of marketing or Sebastian Vettel as a German driver at Mercedes, that’s probably a size too big for him.’