The four-time World Champion and former F1 driver Sebastian Vettel discussed Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in one of his latest interviews:

One of the strangest things about the seven-time World Champion’s move to Ferrari was that no one could anticipate it, and no information was leaked to the media until the announcement day.

Even the 39-year-old confessed that he didn’t tell anyone, not even his own parents, before the announcement day. Moreover, it didn’t seem like something Hamilton would do.

In 2024, the Briton started his 12th year with Mercedes, and at 39, he didn’t have too many ahead of him. Signing a two-year deal with Mercedes ahead of this season was also a sign that he planned to retire with the Silver Arrows.

Sebastian Vettel admitted that he was in touch with Hamilton, but even he didn’t believe the news, as all the signs pointed the other way. As quoted by Sky Sports, he said:

“At first I was very skeptical and thought to myself that it wasn’t true. But then there was something to it and I’m really happy for Lewis [Hamilton]. I wrote to him straight after and we’re in touch anyway.”

Vettel went through a similar switch in the past when he left Red Bull after the end of the season in 2014 to join the team from Maranello.

Altogether, he spent six seasons with the Italian team, and the 36-year-old suggests the change in environment is something that Hamilton will feel. However, he also believes the seven-time World Champion will be able to cope with it.

“He [Lewis Hamilton] has been there for a long time, has a lot of experience and has had more success in his career than any other Formula 1 driver.”

“He’ll get through it, but switching to another new team is always difficult, especially at the beginning. Many familiar faces that we have known for so many years are gone. You have to get used to the new environment, but he’ll be able to cope with it.”