Vettel says he is happy with Hamilton’s decision, but foresees ‘difficult transition’ to Ferrari

Close to returning to the tracks to compete in the Endurance World Cup (WEC) for the Porsche Penske, Sebastian Vettel was asked again about the conversations he had with Toto Wolff to discuss the possibility of taking over the vacancy left by Lewis Hamilton in 2025. The German also spoke about the Briton’s move to Ferrari.

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After a hugely successful career in Formula 1 with 53 victories and four titles won by Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, Vettel said goodbye to motorsport at the end of 2022, when he decided to move away from the busy routine of the sport and spend more time with his family. However, as soon as Hamilton announced his move to Maranello at the beginning of February, rumors soon arose that the former driver of Aston Martin would be negotiating with Mercedes to become the new companion of George Russell. Although he admits that he has spoken to Wolff, Sebastian has stated that he is not yet thinking about returning to the premier class.

➡️ Toto Wolff remembers how Hamilton told about going to Ferrari and teases: ‘You’ll see our rear wing’

– True, but we don’t talk specifically about it [substituir Hamilton]”, revealed the four-time champion in an interview with Sky Germany. “I still keep in touch with people who have followed me directly or indirectly for so many years or who were in F1. I’m lucky to know a lot of people and if I’m curious about something, I can ask directly,” he continued.

Even though he is close to putting on his racing suit again to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Porsche, Vettel assured that nothing has changed in his way of thinking and that he still intends to stay away from the tracks for longer. However, he admitted that he continues to keep an eye on new experiences within motorsport.

➡️ Toto Wolff remembers how Hamilton told about going to Ferrari and teases: ‘You’ll see our rear wing’

– At that time, I also said that I didn’t know what was coming and that taking this step now was right for me. I don’t know if there will be a step back. It doesn’t seem that way at the moment. In terms of age, I’m not the youngest, but when I look at others on the grid, theoretically I still have a lot of time, so that’s not the first hurdle for me – he added.

Even though he rules out the possibility of replacing Hamilton at the Silver Arrows next season, Sebastian couldn’t help but comment on Hamilton’s departure. #44 from the team with which he won six world titles. The German revealed that it took a while for it to sink in when he heard the news, but he had no doubt that his former rival made the right choice.

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– At first, I was very skeptical [em relação à notícia] and I thought it wasn’t true. But then it turned out to be something real and I’m very happy for Lewis. I wrote to him immediately afterwards and we are always in touch – Vettel underlined.

– He has been at it for a long time, has a lot of experience and has had more successes in his career than any other F1 driver. He’ll get over it, but the transition to a new team is always difficult, especially at first. Many familiar faces, that you have known over so many years, disappear. He needs to get used to the new environment, but he will deal with it – concluded the four-time champion.

A Formula 1 returns with the 2024 season in two weeks, between April 5th and 7th, with the Japanese GPin Suzuka.