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Sebastian Vettel during an interview in Abu Dhabi
Photo: James Gasperotti / dpa
The four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel wants Max Verstappen and not Lewis Hamilton to win the title.
“Michael Schumacher is my hero.
That's why I don't really want Lewis to win, "said the 34-year-old on the sidelines of the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi (Sunday, 2 p.m. / TV: Sky).
The reason: Schumacher and Hamilton are still record world champions with seven titles each.
Hamilton and Verstappen "had a very strong season, both deserved it," added Vettel.
In any case, "three, four, five other titles" from Hamilton would not change his admiration for Schumacher, the 34-year-old explained.
Schumacher's son Mick, who is ending his debut season at Haas, was neutral on the question of sympathy.
"I'll keep my fingers crossed for both of them," said the 22-year-old.
On the other hand, his future Mercedes team-mate and compatriot George Russell, who is currently still driving for Williams, positioned himself for Hamilton.
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso made clear preferences for the 24-year-old Verstappen.
"Max drives a step better than all of us," said the Alpine driver: "My opinion is: Mercedes deserved the constructors' championship, but Max was one step ahead all year."
AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly also sees his former Red Bull team-mate Verstappen in front: "But I don't know whether they will finish the race."
The Dutchman Verstappen and Hamilton are tied before the 22nd and final Grand Prix.
But Verstappen leads the World Cup because he has won one more race than the Briton.
If both remain without counters, then Verstappen would be world champion for the first time.
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