Sebastian Vettel drops major retirement hint after losing out to Lewis Hamilton in China
SEBASTIAN VETTEL admitted he may not continue driving in F1 when his contract expires at the end of next season.
Chinese Grand Prix: Vettel 'not happy' following qualifier race
Vettel has come under mounting pressure at Ferrari because he has not been able to end their 12-year Championship drought.
The German is yet to finish on the podium this season.
Lewis Hamilton will start tomorrow’s Chinese Grand Prix from second place, behind team-mate Valtteri Bottas.
Vettel will be just behind the Brit in third but after qualifying he was quizzed own his future in F1.
Former head honcho Bernie Ecclestone revealed earlier this week that he feels four-time world champion Vettel will retire next year.
“He won’t change teams, he will end his career [with Ferrari],” Ecclestone said.
“And I think not much is needed for that to happen.
“Sebastian has a happy family life and does not want Formula One to put him out of balance.”
And Vettel hinted it could come to fruition.
"I don't know at the moment," he said.
"I am not going to be in Formula One as long as Bernie was that's for sure.
“But I hope I am going to be as fit and sharp as he is today when I am 88."
China Grand Prix: Sebastian Vettel discusses ‘difficult’ track
Vettel still feels he is able to challenge Hamilton at the front of the grid.
"I feel on top of my game. I am very self-critical and very ambitious. I put a lot of expectation on myself,” he added.
"I love driving, I love the sensation of speed, and I love fighting these guys.
“There are a lot of things I like at the moment and things I would miss, so that is why it is not an option to quit tomorrow. But the contract is just a piece of paper. We will see what happens."