Vettel still committed to Ferrari - dismisses retirement rumors

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Sebastian Vettel has dismissed rumors of his retirement at the end of the current season, insisting he's still having fun in F1 despite Ferrari's persistent struggles.

Last year, Vettel gave arch-rival Lewis Hamilton a run for his money, challenging the Mercedes driver for the world title until a series of mishaps and blunders from both team and driver in the second part of the season ruined the German's efforts.

The Scuderia's pre-season form this year positioned the Italian outfit as a clear favourite at the outset, but six races into the 2019 season, Ferrari has yet to defeat Mercedes, while Vettel also has to contend with the intra-team pressure exerted by team mate Charles Leclerc.

Ferrari cautions: No improvements to SF90 'for the time being'

In Monaco, there were rumors that Vettel could call it a day at the end of the current campaign despite the four-time world champion being contracted to Ferrari for 2020.

On the eve of this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, the 31-year-old has rejected the gossip.

“I have no plans to stop Formula 1," said Vettel, as quoted by Auto Bild.

"I still have lots of fun, and I still have something to do at Ferrari.

"We want to try everything again this season to bring about the turnaround and the Canadian Grand Prix should be the beginning."

Scuderia boss Mattia Binotto has already warned that no improvements shall be introduced on Ferrari's SF90 in Canada, therefore downplaying the team's prospects.

Vettel trounced the opposition in Montreal in 2018, but the German will likely be hard pressed to repeat that feat next Sunday given Ferrari's current performance shortfall versus Mercedes.

"Our car is good, but we're still getting to know it, finding it harder this season to find the best way to work with the tyres," he added.

"We are learning every day, and this knowledge also benefits us for building next year's car.

"Canada is a race we drivers really look forward to.

"Last year, I started from pole and won the race, 40 years after Gilles Villeneuve won here. I will do my utmost to get a good result."

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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.