Sebastian Vettel speaks out on Lewis Hamilton after Chinese GP controversy

Sebastian Vettel has pointed to Lewis Hamilton as a key reason why he was unable to add to his four Formula 1 world titles during his tenure at Ferrari. The German driver competed directly against Hamilton during his time with the Scuderia, particularly in the 2017 and 2018 seasons, but was unable to clinch another championship.



Vettel vs. Hamilton: The Championship Battles



Vettel dominated Formula 1 between 2010 and 2013, winning four consecutive titles with Red Bull. However, Mercedes surged ahead following the 2014 regulation changes, leaving Red Bull and Ferrari trailing. Vettel made the bold decision to leave Red Bull at the end of 2014 and join Ferrari, with hopes of restoring the Italian team’s former glory.



Despite his efforts, Hamilton continued to assert dominance in the sport. During Vettel’s time at Ferrari, Hamilton won five world titles (2014-2020), while Nico Rosberg claimed one in 2016. This left Vettel with little opportunity to break through and secure a fifth championship.



Vettel Reflects on Missed Opportunities



Speaking on BBC’s Sportsworld podcast, Vettel acknowledged Hamilton’s role in preventing his title aspirations at Ferrari.



“Well, for me, it didn’t quite work [winning the title at Ferrari], because Lewis was there,” Vettel admitted.



“So let’s see here now how he will get on. But, yeah, my fingers crossed. I obviously have raced him a long time.”



Vettel also praised Hamilton for his contributions to the sport beyond his on-track performances.



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



Hamilton’s Ferrari Move and Early Struggles



Vettel’s comments come as Hamilton embarks on a new chapter in his career with Ferrari. Now 40 years old, Hamilton is attempting to claim an unprecedented eighth world title with the Scuderia. His partnership with Charles Leclerc aims to end Ferrari’s championship drought, which dates back to 2008.



However, Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has not been seamless. While he secured a sprint race victory in China, he has struggled in the main races, securing just one point from the first two Grand Prix weekends.



Disqualification Woes in China



Hamilton’s Chinese Grand Prix celebrations were short-lived, as both he and Leclerc were disqualified due to excessive skid block wear. The setback further dampened Ferrari’s early-season campaign and raised concerns about the team’s ability to mount a sustained title challenge.



As Hamilton continues to adapt to his new environment, Vettel’s words serve as a reminder of the immense challenge ahead. If Hamilton can overcome the hurdles that Vettel faced, he may yet achieve what the German could not—bringing the championship back to Maranello.
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