Breaking news
Formula 1
Vettel mocks claim he's about to leave F1
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has mocked a rumour he has heard that he will quit Formula 1 now the 2019 season has ended.
Scott Mitchell
Edited: Dec 2, 2019, 4:40 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
The Ferrari driver has a deal that runs until the end of 2020 but there has been speculation over his future since the start of this year, ahead of his first campaign alongside rising star Charles Leclerc.
That has been compounded by a difficult season in which Vettel made mistakes, whereas Leclerc scored Ferrari’s first victory, won the team’s home race at Monza, scored more poles than any driver and beat Vettel in the championship.
However, after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he finished fifth, Vettel brought up a rumour he was poised to leave F1 when asked if he had any idea about what he would like to do from 2021 onwards, once his current deal has expired.
Vettel smiled and said “holiday” and then, unprompted, added: “I think I was already doing holiday next year.
“I heard before that I'm stopping. I don't know who was the one, but seems they know more than me.
“Since I guess you journalists are always right, it will hit me probably in the next weeks."
Read Also:
- Gasly "disgusted" by first-lap Stroll collision
- Sainz: Unseen last-lap move felt like world title decider
Vettel only won one race in 2019, the Singapore Grand Prix, and he was aided by Ferrari’s strategy favouring him over teammate Leclerc, who had been in control of the race from pole.
He scored another eight podiums over the season, including second in Canada 0 where he had finished first on the road before being relegated by a time penalty.
Vettel’s results amounted to fifth in the championship – his worst result since joining Ferrari in 2015.
But on Sunday night in Abu Dhabi, Vettel underlined his intentions to continue in 2020, even joking that “less interviews will help!”.
Vettel added: “That’s all part of the negotiations for next year, before any other negotiations.”
The 32-year-old did seriously address his season and areas he wishes to improve for 2020, but responded mischievously again when asked to comment on speculation linking Ferrari with Mercedes’ world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Like Vettel, Hamilton is out of contract after next season, and over the Abu Dhabi weekend one report claimed he had met with Ferrari’s chairman during this campaign, while Vettel’s team boss Mattia Binotto said Hamilton’s availability could only make Ferrari “happy”.
However, asked for his response, Vettel simply referred to Hamilton’s ownership of Ferrari road cars.
“I think he’s already a Ferrari driver,” said Vettel. “No? So no change. I think he’s a good customer. He owns more than one.”
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article F1 boss Carey says no decision on Bratches yet
Next article Wolff: Abu Dhabi test no benchmark for Russell
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Scott Mitchell
Alfa Romeo must do better in "chaotic" races - Vasseur
Formula 1
Formula 1
Alfa Romeo must do better in "chaotic" races - Vasseur
Honda: Verstappen relationship 'like a young Senna'
Formula 1
Formula 1
Honda: Verstappen relationship 'like a young Senna'
Key team personnel shouldn't be F1 boss - Ferrari
Formula 1
Formula 1
Key team personnel shouldn't be F1 boss - Ferrari
More from
Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel gives update on F1 future as he opens up on life after retirement
Formula 1
Formula 1
Azerbaijan GP
Sebastian Vettel gives update on F1 future as he opens up on life after retirement
Sebastian Vettel: F1 must combine “things we love” with sustainable future
Formula 1
Formula 1
Sebastian Vettel: F1 must combine “things we love” with sustainable future
More from
Scuderia Ferrari
Charles Leclerc and Pecco Bagnaia: From kings to princes
MotoGP
MotoGP
Charles Leclerc and Pecco Bagnaia: From kings to princes
Sainz blasts "most unfair penalty ever", seeks stewards' explanation
Formula 1
Formula 1
Australian GP
Sainz blasts "most unfair penalty ever", seeks stewards' explanation
Calado: "Difficult" for WEC Hypercar newcomers "to win straight off"
WEC
WEC
Calado: "Difficult" for WEC Hypercar newcomers "to win straight off"
Latest news
Brennan Poole to leave Alpha Prime Racing; team owners 'disappointed' to see him go
NASCAR O'Reilly
NOAP NASCAR O'Reilly
Charlotte II
7 h
Brennan Poole to leave Alpha Prime Racing; team owners 'disappointed' to see him go
Oscar Piastri on his Singapore puncture: “Ironically, it probably helped”
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Singapore GP
9 h
Oscar Piastri on his Singapore puncture: “Ironically, it probably helped”
Winners and losers from NASCAR Cup at Charlotte after dramatic finish
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Charlotte II
11 h
Winners and losers from NASCAR Cup at Charlotte after dramatic finish
Charles Leclerc admits he missed a chance against Max Verstappen – but not the obvious one
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Singapore GP
12 h
Charles Leclerc admits he missed a chance against Max Verstappen – but not the obvious one
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe