F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Leclerc sees no reason why Vettel should retire

X (Twitter)X (Twitter)
FacebookFacebook
WhatsappWhatsapp

Charles Leclerc doubts his Ferrari teammate Sebastian Vettel will retire from Formula 1 anytime soon, disbelieving recent rumors about the German calling it a day.

Speculation about the four-time world champion's future emerged in the aftermath of Vettel being robbed of a win on the track by the stewards at last month's Canadian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver subsequently expressed mixed feelings about the sport's current state of affairs, admitting his passion for racing was intact but also believing that Grand Prix racing was "a bit of a mess".

"I think the problem is now we have so many rules trying to put in writing what you can't put in writing," Vettel said.

"It's just a bit of a mess, I can't think of any other sport where case by case, things are exactly the same.

"Things are always a bit different. And in our sport it's difficult to put everything and every possible outcome in writing. We need to simplify and give freedom to race each other."

Quizzed about his somewhat disillusioned stance on the sport and the rumors of a potential retirement, Vettel dismissed the gossip and insisted he would be on the grid next season.

And Leclerc also believes his teammate will continue to race on in the near future.

"I don’t see him quitting. I can’t speak for him, but he looks more motivated than ever and he works hard to do his best for the team," Leclerc told Germanys' Bild.

"It’s nice to see how he works. I think he’s good dealing with the pressure because there is always pressure after you have won so many titles.

"Even if I beat him, that is no reason for him to stop."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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

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.

Recent Posts

Haas rolling the dice with risky VF-25 floor update in Suzuka

Haas heads into the Japanese Grand Prix weekend with a risky move after fast-tracking a…

31 mins ago

Japanese GP: Thursday's build-up in pictures

The Japanese Grand Prix roars into action this weekend at one of its most iconic…

2 hours ago

Norris: McLaren ‘unbeatable’is just rivals ‘talking crap’

Lando Norris, the current F1 championship leader, has hit out at suggestions that McLaren holds…

3 hours ago

A historic first, and last, for Andretti at Long Beach

Mario Andretti won the 1977 US Grand Prix West at Long Beach on this day…

4 hours ago

Hamilton calls doubts over faith in Ferrari ‘complete rubbish’

Lewis Hamilton has forcefully dismissed suggestions that he’s losing faith in Ferrari, calling such claims…

5 hours ago

Verstappen: Red Bull’s ‘main issue’ is the car, not the drivers

Max Verstappen has defended the efforts of his now former Red Bull teammate Liam Lawson,…

6 hours ago