Vettel and Hamilton teammates, not necessarily a fiction?
While Lewis Hamilton's future at Mercedes remains uncertain, Sebastian Vettel has not closed the door on the Brit joining Ferrari.
Vettel and Hamilton in the same team? The question seemed provocative. Nevertheless, it was posed to the two champions in a press conference this Wednesday in Monaco. A question motivated by currently favorable circumstances. And for good reason: Lewis Hamilton still hasn’t signed a contract extension with Mercedes, while his contract expires at the end of the 2018 season.
Vettel: « one should never say never. »
Launched by Lewis Hamilton himself on the subject, the German driver offered remarks full of politeness or mischief, depending on how you see it.
« I don’t have a veto on the choice of my teammate. Maybe we can grow together when we’re old ».
Before qualifying: « to be completely honest, I am very happy with my current partnership with Kimi. And I am almost certain that Lewis’s future will be with Mercedes », says the current Ferrari driver.
On his side, Sebastian Vettel is already assured of staying with Ferrari until 2020, but the identity of his teammate remains unclear beyond the current season. Kimi Räikkönen’s contract indeed expires at the end of the current campaign. And at 38 years old, with slightly subpar performances, it is uncertain whether Iceman will rejoin for a sixth consecutive season with the Reds.
Asked in turn, Lewis Hamilton did not shy away. A partnership with Vettel could motivate him.
« I am ready to race against any driver. But we always want to compete against the best. I am already facing him in a competitive car, which is always exciting. »
By the way, Lewis Hamilton is already familiar with this kind of situation, having spent seven consecutive seasons with two world champion drivers: Jenson Button (2010-2012, at McLaren) and Nico Rosberg (2013-2016, at Mercedes).
I like facing the best drivers. Racing against Fernando, against Jenson brought me both good and bad. But it pushed me to the limit! That’s also the feeling I currently have with Valtteri, who is doing a good job.
That being said, the current championship leader keeps his feet on the ground by diverting the conversation to another discipline, the WEC.
Hamilton: « I don’t think I will drive in the same team as him yet. Unless we do Le Mans together one day!
An astonishing spin to finish, enough to delight Fernando Alonso, who will be present in Sarthe next June…
From our special correspondent in Monaco
