F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Vettel: 'No reason not to get along with Hamilton'

It was a tense rivalry and relationship last year between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, but the Ferrari driver insists he's cool with his Mercedes counter-part this season.

Vettel gave Hamilton a solid run for his money in 2017, and what started as a respectful on and off-track relationship between the two men escalated into a contentious rapport which started after the German driver's antics in Baku.

A post-qualifying exchange in Melbourne, when Hamilton told Vettel that his pole position was destined "to wipe the smile off his face", hinted that perhaps last year's bad blood had spilled over to 2018.

Vettel admitted to the pair's fall-out last year but insisted he has no current issues with Hamilton, and sees no reason why things would change.

"He said he was joking and I believe him," said Vettel, referencing Ham's snappy post-quali reply in Australia.

"I think we are old enough, I don't think we need to go on that sort of level.

"It's fine as long as we joke with each other and I think even if we are very different persons, I think we share - all of us - a common passion and that makes us quite equal again.

"We love racing and we try to do our best, once we're in the car and beat all the others.

"I think in that regard, I don't see why we shouldn't get on with each other."

The dueling drivers' battle will resume in Bahrain this week, where Hamilton hopes to make up for the win that was lost in Melbourne.

The Mercedes driver is expecting another harsh fight however with Ferrari at a venue which could suit the Scuderia's cars.

"Their performance is better than it looked," said Hamilton.

"Ferrari are going to be quick on the straights.

"They are going to be rapid at the next race, they are going to be good in Bahrain. They are always good on hot circuits - even though it is a night race it is tough on the tyres."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Wolff eyes Mercedes engine supply cutback in the future

Mercedes may be powering a large chunk of the Formula 1 grid right now, but…

14 hours ago

Marko reflects on most ‘intense and intimate’ bond with Verstappen

Helmut Marko is closing the chapter on a remarkable 25-year career as Red Bull’s motorsport…

16 hours ago

Piastri plays it cool: Norris' title won't turn him into ‘superman’

As the dust settles on a thrilling 2025 F1 season, McLaren's Oscar Piastri is keeping…

17 hours ago

Quiet mentorship wins Verstappen new title: 'Dad of all rookies'

In an F1 paddock often defined by fierce rivalries and ruthless competition, an unexpected storyline…

18 hours ago

Michael Schumacher in a Ligier? It happened...

In December 1994, Michael Schumacher, fresh off securing his first Formula 1 World Championship, took…

20 hours ago

Honda’s 2026 power unit roars into life – and fans are loving it!

As Formula 1 closes the books on 2025 edges closer to its biggest technical reset…

20 hours ago