Vettel reacts to Hamilton bombshell and Verstappen unrest

Sebastian Vettel has offered his reactions to the Lewis Hamilton Ferrari bombshell and the unrest surrounding Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

Hamilton shocked the F1 world with the unexpected announcement on February 1st that had exercised a break clause in his Mercedes contract and would depart after the 2024 season for Ferrari - the team Vettel raced for between 2015-2020.

Meanwhile, Verstappen's long-term future is in doubt as the power struggle within the team develops, with Verstappen indicating that should motorsport advisor Helmut Marko leave, he too could seek to depart the world champions.

Having recently tested a Porsche Le Mans car in a test, Vettel has addressed the stories around the two drivers he shared five podiums with during his career.

Vettel 'skeptical' of Hamilton's Ferrari move

"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 of Hamilton's move to Ferrari.

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

"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."

Vettel on Verstappen's situation

Vettel claimed all four of his world titles and 38 of his 53 wins for Red Bull, but cannot see any reason why Verstappen should leave.

"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," he told sport.de.

"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," he added to Sky Germany.

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

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