BERLIN, Germany - Defending Formula 1 Drivers' champion Sebastian Vettel, responding to reports suggesting he might move to Ferrari, has insisted that he will stay with Red Bull for 2015.
Vettel told Sport Bild: "I've already said on numerous occasions that I have a contract with Red Bull for 2015 and I'm working on the principle that I will still be driving for them."
Vettel, F1 Drivers' champion for the previous four seasons, has struggled to make an impact through 2014. His rookie team mate Daniel Ricciardo has wone three times, Vettel not at all.
'PERFECT FOR FERRARI'
Vettel added: "I still have a lot to achieve with Red Bull and I want to do everything to ensure that we make a comeback."
F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone stoked the Vettel/Ferrari rumour by suggesting Vettel "would be the perfect man for Ferrari, if he wanted to leave".
Despite Vettel finding himself in the unaccustomed role of playing second fiddle to a team mate (Ricciardo) he is taking his lack of success in good heart. "Daniel has done a very, very good job and has made life difficult for me. It's good for team morale. His results have proved that our car isn't as bad as all that."
Vettel finished second to championship leader Lewis Hamilton at the 2014 Singapore GP (September 21), his best result so far of 2014. He is fifth on the Drivers' log with 124 points, 57 behind of third-placed Ricciardo with Mercedes drivers Hamilton (241) and Nico Rosberg (238) leading.