Lewis Hamilton says Sebastian Vettel is “showing great character” by pushing forward with Ferrari despite knowing he isn’t wanted by the team, which earlier this season chose not to renew his contract past the end of the season, leaving him without a drive.
Vettel’s 2020 hasn’t got off to a great start as he currently sits on just ten points compared to team-mate Charles Leclerc’s 45, but despite this and knowing his place at the team won’t exist much longer, he says he hasn’t considered throwing in the towel early.
“I don’t think so…we haven’t even considered or spoken about it,” he replied when asked if he could quit mid-season.
“I guess it’s not just a question for myself. But I know what I’m capable of, I know the job that I can do.
“At the moment, it’s not been the cleanest run, but yeah, I’m sure [when] things calm down, and I get a decent chance, then I’ll use it.”
His long-term rival Hamilton has high hopes Vettel will land somewhere else next season and believes the fact he’s willing to push and try and help Ferrari still, despite being dropped, just goes to show the kind of person he is.
“I saw the difficult race he had had previously and all I can try to do is empathise with the position he’s in and try to be understanding,” said the Briton.
“It can never be a great feeling to be told that you’re not wanted and to continue within the team, especially when you join a team and you’re in a team, you give your all, you give your heart.
“But I think the way he’s pushing, the way he’s continuing to try and help the team just shows the great character he has and his commitment to racing.
“I hope that something really positive comes up for him moving forwards.”
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