Leclerc sees no reason why Vettel should retire

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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".

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"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."

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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.