Sebastian Vettel rules out replacing Nico Rosberg at Mercedes and backs Ferrari to improve
SEBASTIAN VETTEL is expecting to challenge Mercedes next year in his new Ferrari and will not replace retiring world champion Nico Rosberg.
Sebastian Vettel is happy to give Ferrari a chance to improve after a disappointing 2016
Me and Kimi Raikkonen have Ferrari contracts for next season
Rosberg announced his shock retirement just days after beating team-mate Lewis Hamilton to the world title.
Mercedes are now left scrambling for a second driver, with non-executive director Niki Lauda claiming they will have a new man in place by the end of 2016.
Four-time world champion Vettel had been mooted as a potential team-mate for Hamilton next season having finished fourth in a mediocre Ferrari car in 2016.
Sebastian Vettel almost played a key role in the title race as he chased down Nico Rosberg
Mercedes are keen to replace Nico Rosberg in the next four weeks
But the German, 29, intends to honour his contract with the Italian team next season and compete on a higher level.
"I think it's no secret the fact that me and Kimi Raikkonen have contracts for next season," Vettel said.
When asked if he himself considered quitting after winning his first title, he added: “I think everybody is free to do what he or she wants.
"I respect his decision.
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"I’m sure [Nico] will take time off before he goes on to do something else.
"I wish him happy holidays!”