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Vettel not pushing for Leclerc as 2019 team mate

Sebastian Vettel says he would be happy to continue with Kimi Raikkonen as his Ferrari team mate in 2019, although he admits the Scuderia's future driver line-up will not be his to decide.

Following his impressive results this season with Sauber, pundits are betting the mercurial Charles Leclerc will move to the House of Maranello at the end of this season, and replace Raikkonen.

Asked ahead of this weekend's German Grand Prix about the identity of his future team mate, Vettel said he wouldn't mind a status quo, suggesting Ferrari should not be in a rush to promote Leclerc.

"I would be happy to continue like that but it is not for me to mention, or to decide," Vettel said in Hockenheim on Thursday.

"I think Charles, one way or the other, will have a great career. He is a great guy, he is fast and has everything. He has no rush. He is young, but if you are young you are always in a rush with everything!

Leclerc avoiding distractions despite the hype

"I don't know when or what and ultimately who [my teammate will be]. But...it doesn't really matter to me. For me it is clear where I am next year but I think both of them would suit into the team."

Vettel underlined his good relationship over the years with the 38-year-old Raikkonen.

"I like Kimi," said Vettel.

"We get along, and we have never had any issues. Sometimes on track I remember I drove into him and crashed into him, but the way we handle things is very similar and very straightforward."

As for the talented Mr. Leclerc, the 20-year-old is reluctant to speak about the future, preferring to focus his energy on the immediate job at hand with Sauber.

"I don’t think it’s any good to distract myself with what could possibly happen next year," he said.

"I think it’s important I stay focused on the job I have to do now. Hopefully I keep doing a good job with the team. And then we’ll see."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.