Hamilton backs Vettel to return to form

Lewis Hamilton reckons it is only a matter of time before Sebastian Vettel reclaims his form after a dismal start to the 2019 Formula 1 season with Ferrari.

The German, and Ferrari in general, are yet to win a race so far, with Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, and Max Verstappen the only three drivers who have emerged victorious, while Vettel is down in fourth in the drivers’ championship.

The British Grand Prix on Sunday was arguably a new low for Vettel, as he ended up finishing in 16th after crashed into the back of Max Verstappen - a collision which he was unable to recover from, while the Dutchman finished fifth. He has since admitted responsibility for the incident.

Through the second half of last season into the new campaign, these errors have significantly hurt Vettel’s title chances, with Hamilton running away with the lead in 2019.

However, the Brit has backed his rival to get back to his best.

“I loved competing against Ferrari last year,” Hamilton said after winning the British GP.

“I wish the battle [at Silverstone] was with the Ferraris.

Vettel needs to leave Ferrari - Red BullRead more

“It’s different when you’re racing within a team and I’ve always told you guys that I much much prefer it when you’re racing with the Red Bulls and the Ferraris, but currently that’s not how it is.

“But I absolutely believe he [Vettel] will rebound, you look at the greats, and he is one of those.

“He’s had a difficult race but he’s a four-time World Champion, he will recover, he will come back stronger the next race, and that’s what great athletes do.”

Vettel is a four-time world champion, but each of his wins came during his tenure with Red Bull.

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