Vettel reacts to Hamilton's move to Ferrari

The Hamilton bombshell

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has weighed in on the shocking announcement that Lewis Hamilton exercised a clause to depart Mercedes for Ferrari after the 2024 season.

Vettel, who raced for the Scuderia from 2015-2020, was initially skeptical of the news but eventually came around to supporting Hamilton's decision.

"He has been around for a very long time, has a lot of experience and has had more success in his career than any other Formula 1 driver,"

Vettel told Sky Germany.

"He will cope with it, but the transition to a new team is always difficult, especially at the beginning."

Vettel acknowledged the challenges Hamilton will face integrating into a new environment after years at Mercedes.

"Many familiar faces that you have known for many years are gone, and you have to get used to the new environment, but he will be able to cope with it."

" I was very skeptical [of the news] at first and thought it wasn't true, but then there was something to it and I am very happy for Lewis."

Verstappen's Red Bull unrest

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen's long-term future at Red Bull remains uncertain amid internal power struggles, with the Dutchman hinting at a potential exit should advisor Helmut Marko depart.

Vettel, who won all his titles and 38 of his 53 wins with Red Bull, sees no sporting reason for Verstappen to consider leaving currently.

"There is of course a lot of unrest at the moment, but I think from a sporting perspective there is currently no reason for him to think about anything else,"

Vettel told sport.de.

However, Vettel acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating,

"I know the team, Christian [Horner] and Helmut Marko very well from my time, but it is very difficult for me to have an opinion because you don't know what did and what did not happen."

Call for transparency

While avoiding direct commentary on the Red Bull saga, Vettel emphasized the need for greater transparency.

"I think you would like a bit more transparency in that respect, but I hope that time will clear it all up," he told Sky Germany.

As an experienced voice in the paddock, Vettel's measured response highlights the intricate dynamics at play within the sport's top teams and the significant implications of high-profile driver movements.