Vettel not blaming Alonso for Ferrari delay

With Ferrari not yet confirming the deal amid its apparent contractual impasse with Fernando Alonso, the departing Red Bull driver has already hinted at his Maranello move by telling the Italian broadcaster Sky he is a "driver for Scuderia Ferrari".

And this week, he has mused openly about becoming his friend Kimi Raikkonen's next teammate.

A situation that is not yet entirely clear.

Sebastian Vettel

Now, in conversation with Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, he was asked if he blames Alonso for the hold-up because the Spaniard has not yet officially vacated the Ferrari seat.

"I don't think the fault lies with one person," the German answered, "so I don't think you can talk about blame.

"It's just a situation that is not yet entirely clear, which is the way it is in Formula One sometimes.

"It is of course silly if you can't answer the questions that are being asked of you, so I do hope there will be clarity soon," Vettel added.

Struggling teammates

Interestingly, it has not been lost on some that in pairing Vettel with Raikkonen next year, Ferrari is putting together two drivers who notably struggled to match the pace of their respective teammates in 2014.

Asked about Raikkonen and his problems this year, Vettel answered: "We do not need to talk about Kimi's talent. That is undisputed.

"Apparently he just hasn't been able to get from the car what he needs in order to feel comfortable this year."