F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Leclerc sees no reason why Vettel should retire

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

Perez reveals how he became Force India's unlikely saviour

Sergio Perez has revisited one of the most extraordinary off-track stories of his Formula 1…

15 hours ago

FIA expands straight-line mode at Spa – as Alonso sounds warning

Formula 1’s return to Spa-Francorchamps this weekend will introduce a striking new element to the…

17 hours ago

McLaren set for Mercedes engine upgrade at Spa and rear-wing trial

McLaren will arrive at the Belgian Grand Prix with a fresh opportunity to reset its…

18 hours ago

Michael bows to Mika on British GP podium

On this day in 2001 at the British GP at Silverstone, Formula 1 fans were…

20 hours ago

Bearman moved to tears after driving Senna’s iconic Lotus

The Silverstone pitlane has borne witness to countless moments of motorsport history, but recently, it…

21 hours ago

Steiner: Time for McLaren to ‘grow up’ and build its own engine

McLaren’s search for answers in Formula 1 has once again turned the spotlight onto its…

22 hours ago