Vettel backs Hamilton’s Ferrari title bid: ‘My fingers are crossed’

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has thrown his support behind his former arch-rival Lewis Hamilton as the seven-time world champion fights for his first title with Ferrari.

In an interview with BBC Sounds, recorded ahead of last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, Vettel reflected on his own time with the Scuderia and expressed his hopes that Hamilton can achieve what he could not – winning a world title with the House of Maranello.

Now, with Hamilton donning Ferrari red, Vettel sees a chance for redemption – not for himself, but for his friend.

Ferrari’s Weight, Hamilton’s Drive

Vettel, who raced for Ferrari from 2015 to 2020, knows all too well the unique pressures that come with driving for the Italian outfit. However, he believes Hamilton is more than equipped to handle the expectations.

“Maybe it is a bit, but I think Lewis is a competitor and he has very high expectations about himself so I think he's probably very ambitious to be in that seat right now and not so focused on the noise around, but more to make it work,” Vettel said.

Vettel knows the Ferrari dream’s elusiveness firsthand.

“For me it didn’t quite work because Lewis was there so let’s see now how he will get on,” he said, acknowledging Hamilton as the roadblock to his own title hopes.

Fingers Crossed for a Friend

“But, yeah, my fingers [are] crossed,” Vettel admitted. “I obviously raced him a long time, we get along really well, and he's by far the most outspoken driver on the grid at the minute, his on-track skills don’t need to be repeated.”

Vettel praised Hamilton’s legacy – stats that scream greatness – and his off-track influence.

“I think the numbers, statistics speak for themselves but it’s great to see he’s still on the grid and still has that influence and he uses it in a positive manner,” he said.

“So naturally my fingers are crossed for him to win the championship.”

However, for all his encouragements directed at Hamilton, Vettel didn’t overlook Ferrari’s other star, Charles Leclerc.

“But also Charles is there, I raced with him. I think it’s a strong line up and in the end it takes a lot of things to come together to be there in the last couple of races to fight for the championship,” he noted.

• Read also: Ferrari furious at FOM's misleading Hamilton radio edits

“We will see. It will be close, but I’m definitely not ruling anybody out.”
As Hamilton chases Ferrari glory in 2025, with 2026’s rule changes looming, Vettel’s support adds a heartfelt twist to their saga.

As the season unfolds, Vettel will be watching closely, hoping to see his former rival-turned-friend finally lift the championship trophy in Ferrari red.

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