Sebastian Vettel has refused to rule out coming out of retirement to race in F1 next season and admits the possibility of joining Mercedes 'excites me'.
The four-time world champion called time on his F1 career at the end of the 2022 season.
He's enjoyed a long break from competitive racing, but has sparked rumours of a desire to return after testing Porsche’s hypercar.
It was seen as a sign that Vettel was eyeing up an outing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this summer.
But the bigger picture was a possibility of Vettel's interest in returning to competitive racing with F1 set to undergo major changes on the grid next year and new regulations being introduced in 2026.
At just 36 years of age, Vettel has time on his side and would still be regarded as one of the best options if he made himself available for next season.
There are currently 13 seats available for the 2025 season, including the possibility of replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.
Vettel was asked on Sky News whether he was interested in taking the vacant Mercedes seat for 2025.
He replied: "I don't know.
"There is bits that do excite me when I think about it but there are bits that don't."
The German has made no secret that he's held talks with Toto Wolff, although he's admitted those discussions haven't been about driving for Mercedes.
"I'm talking to a lot of people, but not very specific," he added.
"It does cross my mind. I do think about it but it's not the main thought.
"I have three kids at home, it's busy every day so there's lots of other thoughts I have.
"I am speaking to Toto. I don't know if that qualifies as speaking to Mercedes.
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"But there's ideas that I have, events that I'm planning going forward so I did speak to a lot of other team principals as well and not only about racing."]
Vettel was also asked what he made of Hamilton's decision to join Ferrari.
He added: "I was surprised like most of us but exciting.
"Obviously I think he's looking for a new challenge and it will be different to see him in red."
