While the rumours rages on for Charles Leclerc moving to Ferrari in 2019 Formula 1 season, but if it was on Sebastian Vettel to decide, he would still keep Kimi Raikkonen.
Vettel was asked by reporters during the German Grand Prix weekend if he would like to have Leclerc as his teammate to which the German felt that the Monegasque has time in his career and he shouldn’t be rushing into any move.
“I don’t know Charles much,” he started. “I know him a little bit through the programme. I like Kimi. I think we get along. We have never any issue. Sometimes on track. I remember I drove into him, crashed into him.
“But I think the way we handle things is very similar, very straightforward, so I think it’s great to work with and great for the team. I’d be happy to continue like that, but it’s not for me to mention, to decide.
“Charles, one way or the other, will have a great career. He’s a great guy, he’s fast, he’s got everything, so yeah, definitely, he has no rush. He’s young, but if you’re young you’re always in a rush with everything. I don’t know.
“I don’t know when, what and ultimately who but as I said it really doesn’t matter to me. For me it’s clear where I am next but I think both of them would suit into the team. If I could choose…I know that I cannot, but if I could, then [I’ll go with] Kimi.”
In the last few weeks, there has been several media reports stating that the agreement had been reached between Leclerc and Ferrari but the Sauber driver has so far denied any discussions on the same – which he did again in Germany.
“There have been absolutely no talks,” he said. “It is always great to hear Ferrari and Leclerc in the same sentence but on the other hand I wish to bring something new, but I have not been speaking with them at all about this subject.
“For now as I have said in the past, it is important for me to stay focused on the present here in Sauber and try to do the best job possible.” Over the weekend, Mercedes announced the retention of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas for 2019.
It means both Ferrari rivals will have the same line-up with Red Bull Racing also set to confirm Daniel Ricciardo for another season alongside Max Verstappen. This will put the Italian manufacturer in a fix whether to go with experience or a youngster.
Considering Ferrari’s approach so far, it will be a bold call for them to sign up Leclerc when its rivals will have a settled line-up. Raikkonen has done well this year to help Ferrari take the lead in the constructors’ championship which could play a crucial role in the decision.
Meanwhile, in another wild speculation spreading during the German GP weekend, it is being said that should Leclerc move to Ferrari, Sauber is wanting Raikkonen back in its fold for the 2019 season.