Sebastian Vettel says there is “no rush” for Charles Leclerc to feel he should be competing for Ferrari in Formula 1 next year.
Ferrari-backed Leclerc rose to Formula 1 after taking back-to-back titles in GP3 and Formula 2 and recovered from an indifferent start to his career to take several eye-catching results.
Leclerc has appeared in Q2 across seven straight events, twice building on those to make Q3, and has scored points in five of those, a run that would have been extended but for a botched pit stop in Britain.
Leclerc’s form has fuelled speculation that Ferrari could replace Kimi Raikkonen with the current Sauber driver for next season.
Vettel, speaking ahead of the German Grand Prix, backed the credentials of both Leclerc and Raikkonen, but reckons the youngster should not feel rushed to make the step.
When asked if he had a preference for Raikkonen to stay, Vettel replied: “I’d be happy to continue like that but it’s not for me to decide.
“I think Charles, one way or the other, will have a great career, he’s a great guy, he’s fast, he’s got everything.
“I mean he has no rush, he’s young but if you’re younger you’re always in a rush with everything.
“I don’t know when, what and ultimately who [will be at Ferrari].
“But it doesn’t really matter to me, I think it’s clear where I am next year, both of them would suit [being] at the team.”
Vettel had earlier commented that he and Raikkonen “get along, we never had any issues.
“Sometimes on track I remember I drove into him and crashed into him but I think the way we handle things is very similar, very straightforward, it’s great to work with him, great for the team/
“But it’s not my decision so we’ll see what happens.”
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