Vettel: No rush for Leclerc-Ferrari switch in 2019 

Sebastian Vettel insists he does not have a preference over who his next Formula 1 teammate will be, adding there is no rush for Charles Leclerc to move to Ferrari in 2019.

A series of stand-out performances from F1 rookie and Ferrari protege Leclerc this year has seen him linked with replacing Kimi Raikkonen as Vettel’s teammate at the Scuderia next season. 

But ahead of this weekend’s German Grand Prix, Vettel stressed the Sauber star has time on his side and does not need to feel rushed over his future amid the ongoing speculation.

When asked by Crash.net if he had a strong preference over who his next teammate would be, Vettel said: “I’d be happy to continue like that but it’s not up to me to decide. 

“I think Charles, one way or the other, will have a great career, he’s a great guy. He is a great guy, he’s fast, he’s got everything. He has no need to rush. 

“He’s young, but when you are young you are always in a rush with everything! I don’t know when or what and ultimately who [my teammate will be], but it doesn’t really matter to me.

“For me it’s clear where I’m next year. I think both of them would suit the team.”

Current championship leader Vettel added he is more than happy continuing alongside Raikkonen for what would be a fifth straight season. 

“I like Kimi, we get along and we never have an issue,” he said.  “Sometimes on track I remember I drove into him and I’ve crashed into him, but the way we handle things is very similar, very straightforward.”

Leclerc was also pressed about the subject but insisted he is not allowing himself to become distracted by the speculation. 

"Strangely, I don't know if it's natural or whatever, but I don't really [get distracted]," Leclerc explained.

"Obviously, it's always a pleasure to see when there are some articles about me going to Ferrari, because it is a dream since I was a child.

"But on the other hand, it is not so difficult for me to come to the race weekend and to switch to the racing mindset and to be fully focussed on the job I have to do.

“When I'm at the track I definitely don't think about any rumours or anything at all."