Vettel looks to Schumacher example in brushing off retirement talk

Sebastian Vettel says he has no plans to retire. At the end of last year, the German was criticised for making mistakes that contributed to Ferrari not winning the world championship and now, those same critics are saying Vettel could be challenged in 2019 by his new teammate Charles Leclerc.

Vettel came out worse in a series of tangles in the latter half of the season, which saw him spin to the back of the field in Italy, Japan and USA.

He also slipped out of a likely win at his home race in Hockenheim, with Lewis Hamilton winning that day from 14th on the grid to seize momentum in a title race that went his way yet again.

Although suggestions have been raised that Vettel may never recover his best form, shown at Red Bull when he won four titles on the spin, the German remains committed to F1 and Ferrari.

"Over the years I've gotten used to dealing with criticism, even if it's not fair," the German told Sport Bild.

"I think it's clear that I'm not in the spring of my career anymore.

"On the other hand, at 31 I still have plenty of time in this sport. Looking back, Michael [Schumacher] was even a bit older than me when he won his first title with Ferrari. And Lewis is two years older than me.

"I still have no thoughts of retiring. On the contrary, I'm doing everything to fulfil my dream of the title with Ferrari. And my family supports me."

When asked if he has thought about switching to Mercedes, as his mentor Michael Schumacher eventually did, Vettel answered: "No. My goal is to win with Ferrari."

Finally, Vettel confirmed that he put in a good word with Ferrari when it signed up his friend and countryman Pascal Wehrlein as simulator driver.

"I didn't sign his contract, but when the topic came up, I said his name," Vettel said.

MORE: Prost explains scepticism on overtaking boost
MORE: Mercedes reveal Formula E car