Vettel fears for Red Bull futures

Sebastian Vettel fears for Red Bull's employees if his former team quits F1 at the end of the season.

Dietrich Mateschitz has threatened to leave the sport if he fails to secure a competitive engine deal for his teams, with Bernie Ecclestone saying he is in the dark regarding reports Ferrari has declined to supply Red Bull. Vettel - who won all four of his drivers' titles with Red Bull - says he feels for the team members whose futures are up in the air.

• Ecclestone in dark over Ferrari's Red Bull rejection

“What would it mean? I think for everyone it’s difficult to imagine if they’re not part of the grid next year," Vettel said. "So I hope somehow it will happen but it’s not my decision personally.

"With the history I have obviously I know the team inside out and I know a lot of good people there so it would be a shame for the drivers but also ultimately the people in the team if they end up with no job next year.”

While Vettel may not be racing against Red Bull next season, Lewis Hamilton has said he wants to be able to go wheel to wheel with the German and Vettel says the feeling is mutual.

“To be really close he obviously has a bit of margin at the moment. I think we are trying very hard and hopefully in the future we can be a lot closer. That’s the target. I wouldn’t mind, I think he’s one of the best drivers out there so it would be good to fight with him.”

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AS IT HAPPENED: Russian Grand Prix FP2