Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel said he is thinking about a Formula 1 comeback and talking to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and others.
The retired German driver, 36, told Sky Sports television he was "potentially" in the market for a 2025 seat.
"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," he said.
"I retired from Formula 1 not to come back, but I also did say that you never know. So I think it still stands."
Vettel won his four titles with Red Bull and retired at the end of 2022 after a final season with Aston Martin, following a six-year stint at Ferrari.
Sebastian Vettel celebrates Australian F1 Grand Prix win 2017. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Mercedes have a vacancy for 2025, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, now 39 but still younger than 42-year-old Fernando Alonso, departing for Ferrari at the end of the year.
The German manufacturer last had a German driver with Nico Rosberg, who retired suddenly after winning the 2016 world championship.
"You never know where life is taking you, so maybe it takes me back behind the wheel, maybe it doesn't," said Vettel, who recently tested a Porsche Penske Le Mans hypercar and could debut in the 24-hour race.
Vettel was asked by Sky whether he would be able to resist an opportunity with Mercedes, should it be offered.
"I've had conversations with [Wolff], not really about the seat. We did speak about the whole situation in short as well," he said.
"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."
- Reuters