Leclerc 'honoured' by Vettel praise

Charles Leclerc says he is "honoured" to receive praise from Sebastian Vettel, but says he is not thinking about reports linking him with partnering the German at Ferrari next year. Leclerc has made a fine start to life in Formula 1 with Sauber and he has reportedly signed a deal with the Scuderia for 2019.

Reports in Italy have claimed Ferrari will pay Leclerc €5million in a two-year deal to replace Kimi Raikkonen next year.

The Monegasque has scored points in five of his last seven outings ahead of the German Grand Prix, and has vastly outperformed an experienced team-mate in Marcus Ericsson.

Vettel and Lewis Hamilton spoke in glowing terms of Leclerc ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix and it has not gone unnoticed from the young driver.

"I'm rarely saying anything positive about me," he says. "I would never say it's something natural.

"Since 2012, I haven't done twice the same category in two years. Every time I have stepped up one category. That has helped me to really push to adapt myself very quickly to a new car.

"When I'm doing a good job, Seb is coming to me and saying 'well done'. I've seen Lewis has spoken about me in the media. Fernando [Alonso] comes sometimes personally.

"It's great to have these drivers speaking positively about me. It's a huge honour. I have a lot of respect for them. I'm watching them since I was younger.

"I have the mentality that is focusing on what is happening at the moment. I don't want to change this and I don't think it will be good for me to change it.

"I don't think it's any good to distract myself with what could possibly happen next year. I think it's important I stay focused on the job I have to do now. Hopefully I keep doing a good job with the team. And then we'll see."