Vettel has ‘fingers crossed’ for 'outspoken driver' to win F1 title

Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel has stated his “fingers are crossed” for Lewis Hamilton to enjoy championship success at Ferrari.

Hamilton ended his tenure with Mercedes at the end of 2024, joining Ferrari to commence a new chapter of his career.

The 40-year-old endured a difficult opening round in Australia before triumphing in the sprint race at the following round in China. In the grand prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, however, he was disqualified for over-the-limit skid-block wear.

Prior to Vettel's retirement from F1 after the 2022 campaign, he was known to share a strong friendship with Hamilton as the two were often the most outspoken when it came to social concerns.

As Hamilton seeks to add an unprecedented eighth F1 championship to his list of achievements, Vettel has voiced his support for his former rival.

“My fingers are crossed,” Vettel told BBC Sportsworld. “Obviously, I’ve raced him a long time. 

“We get along really well and he’s by far the most outspoken driver on the grid at the minute. His on-track skills don’t need to be repeated.

“I think the numbers and statistics speak for themselves. But it’s great to see that he’s still on the grid and he still has that influence and uses it in a positive manner.

“So naturally, my fingers are crossed for him to win the championship.”

However, with just two races complete, Vettel acknowledged it is too early to predict who will come out on top.

“Charles [Leclerc] is there [at Ferrari]. I raced with him. It's a strong lineup," added Vettel. 

“In the end, it takes a lot of things to come together, to be there in the last couple of races and fight for the championship. 

“So we will see. It will be close, but I'm definitely not ruling anybody out.”