Sebastian Vettel names his toughest F1 rival ahead of retirement

Sebastian Vettel has named Sir Lewis Hamilton as the toughest rival from his 15-year Formula 1 career.

The four-time world champion will retire at the end of this season and recently reflected on his stunning and highly-successful F1 journey in an interview with Aston Martin’s official website.

During his career, Vettel has raced against many of the sport’s greatest ever drivers including Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen, Nico Rosberg, Jenson Button.

He has also battled numerous tough teammates over the years including Kimi Raikkonen, Charles Leclerc, Daniel Ricciardo and Mark Webber.

But ultimately, when asked who his greatest opponent was, the German replied: ‘Lewis, especially when I was at Ferrari. Lewis has always been right up there.

‘Before that, it was probably Fernando when he was at Ferrari.’

Having both made their debuts in 2007, Vettel and Hamilton’s careers have been forever intertwined, with the pair collectively winning 11 of the last 15 championships.

Though they had battled each other on track since their debuts, it wasn’t really until 2017 and 2018 when the pair finally went head-to-head for the championship, with Hamilton and Mercedes prevailing over Vettel and Ferrari.

The two had fought closely for the title in 2010 and 2012, when Hamilton was at McLaren and Vettel with Red Bull, but Vettel’s main rival in both those seasons was Alonso whom he twice pipped in dramatic fashion.

Somewhat ironically, it is Alonso who will take Vettel’s place at Aston Martin for next season alongside Lance Stroll.

‘Fernando doesn’t need any advice,’ Vettel joked.

‘I’m not sure he’s taking any advice, but he doesn’t need it anyway. He’s been around for so long and seen so much – he’ll be fine.’

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