Vettel: Hamilton rivalry is nothing special

Editor

Sebastian Vettel has played down his rivalry with Lewis Hamilton, saying it “does not matter” who he is driving against in Formula 1.

Both drivers are heading into the 2018 season as four-time World Champions and while Vettel enjoys beating someone of that calibre, he is merely just an opponent on the track.

“Lewis is a four-time World Champion and one of the best F1 drivers,” Vettel said in an interview with Sport Bild.

“He is an opponent on the track, but not in life. Honestly, it does not matter to me who you are driving against.

“But if you win against Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso at the end, you’re proud of it because you know that the level at which Lewis or Fernando are racing is extremely high.”

Vettel’s biggest flashpoint with Hamilton last season was the infamous incident in Baku, but the German was quite philosophical when asked about his actions again.

“What errors are, everyone can judge best for themselves. Of course you should not cross the border, but that happens sometimes in life,” he added.

“If that did not happen, would life be so worth living? I don’t think so.

“I think it’s also interesting for other people to be able to form their own opinion in each situation and to make their own judgment.

“When I put on the cap after that, I have to live with it. Life goes on.”