Sebastian Vettel has sparked controversy in the Formula 1 world by attributing his failure to win a title with Ferrari to Lewis Hamilton. The four-time world champion claimed that Hamilton’s dominance at Mercedes was the key reason behind his inability to secure a championship during his time at Maranello.
In a recent interview with BBC’s Sportsworld, Vettel stated: “For me, it didn’t quite work because Lewis was there, so let’s see now how he will get on.” Despite this admission, the German driver emphasized that he holds no grudge against Hamilton and even supports him in the upcoming season.
Hamilton Responds
Lewis Hamilton, never one to shy away from addressing bold claims, has now responded to Vettel’s remarks. The seven-time world champion acknowledged Vettel’s perspective but insisted that Ferrari’s struggles were not solely down to his success at Mercedes.
“I have immense respect for Seb, and we had some incredible battles over the years. But to say that I was the reason he didn’t win a title at Ferrari is a bit of an oversimplification. It wasn’t just about me; it was about the performance of the teams, the strategy, and how the seasons played out,” Hamilton explained.
He further elaborated on Ferrari’s internal challenges, saying: “I think Ferrari had a strong car at times, but we at Mercedes were just relentless. It wasn’t just about having the fastest car—it was about execution, teamwork, and making the right decisions under pressure.”
A Rivalry Built on Mutual Respect
Despite their fierce on-track rivalry, Hamilton and Vettel have maintained a strong friendship and share mutual respect. Hamilton recently endorsed Vettel as a potential replacement at Mercedes, should the German consider an F1 return.
“Seb is a legend of the sport, and I’ve always admired his values and his dedication, both on and off the track. If he ever decides to come back, I’d love to see him in a competitive car again,” Hamilton said.
As Ferrari continues its 18-year drought without a drivers’ championship, all eyes are now on Hamilton’s move to the Scuderia in 2025. The British driver has a chance to do what Vettel could not—bring the world title back to Maranello. Will he succeed where his former rival fell short? The F1 world eagerly awaits.