One of the highlights from Wednesday’s press conference ahead of this weekend’s Monaco GP was a friendly back and forth between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel on possibly becoming teammates.
The idea was raised as the world champion is still yet to sign a new extension to his Mercedes contract and the possibility of him joining Ferrari, creating the most successful line-up in Formula 1 history, remains a tantalising prospect.
Interestingly, during their little chat, it was Hamilton who appeared less interested in potentially forging the ultimate dream team.
“I don’t know, he has to ask me,” Vettel began when asked if he would be open to having the Briton alongside him.
“He has a veto so that wouldn’t happen,” Lewis responded.
“I don’t. I wouldn’t mind,” said the German. “Obviously, to be completely honest, I’m very happy with the relationship I have with Kimi.”
That led Hamilton to suggest: “I think we have a better relationship, do you not think?”
Vettel’s answer: “I don’t know. Maybe if we get closer. I don’t know, you never know what happens.”
Ultimately, the Ferrari driver believes it won’t be a scenario that is considered.
“I’m pretty sure that Lewis’s priority lies with Mercedes. Everything else would be a big surprise but you never know, so we will see.
“For me, at the moment, it doesn’t really matter, I’m very happy to be where I am for the time that everyone knows. I know and then we will see what happens.”
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Pointing out he has previously had world champion teammates in Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, Hamilton insisted he would happily race against Vettel.
“I’m down to race with whoever. I’m racing against him in a pretty competitive car, which is always exciting but I think for any driver you want to go up against the best,” he said.
“You’ve seen in history it can be difficult when there are two incredibly strong alphas in a team but you’ve seen it seems to work with him and Kimi… but you can honestly say Kimi can’t be too happy cos some scenarios don’t work out for him, it’s just always difficult.
“I feel the setup I have right now in the team, Valtteri [Bottas] is driving well, pushing me to limit,” Lewis added.
“I’m still getting that, but with a great harmony and respect when one driver does better than the other.
“It’s not always the same when it’s different characters, so it depends on the character you’re with. But I don’t anticipate we’ll be driving together in our time unless we do Le Mans together one day.”
