Hamilton backs Vettel to steer Aston Martin "in a better direction"

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is confident Sebastian Vettel will be able to steer Aston Martin "in a better direction" when he joins the team in 2021.

Ahead of its rebranding from Racing Point next season, the team has confirmed the four-time Formula 1 champion as the replacement for Sergio Perez.

Long-time rival Hamilton declared himself "pleased" when he saw the announcement regarding Vettel's switch, claiming it to be a "great move from the team" to recruit a driver of Vettel's calibre.

"Honestly, I thought that it is the ideal direction that he was going to go," Hamilton said.

"I thought it would happen so I am really pleased to hear it. The team has got new ownership and already taken a huge step forward in its performance and can continue to grow.

"Maybe I am biased, but I believe experience counts for a huge amount and he has had a difficult time at Ferrari but he's a four-time world champion. He can help steer that team even further in a better direction in terms of car development.

"You should never take that for granted, [but] I think it is a great move from the team.

"Of course, I am sorry for Sergio [Perez], he is a great driver and I am sure he will have other options."

F1's arrival at Mugello for the first and, perhaps, only time gave Hamilton a chance to reminisce, stating it felt like a return to his karting roots when he first saw the circuit.

"It was really cool arriving at the track," said Hamilton. "We did some running on the simulator so we know the track at least.

"But when I arrived it felt like back in the karting days when I used to come to Italy and arrived at a new circuit.

"I think it is the roads and the way things are built here. It is a beautiful place."

Before you go...

Verstappen reveals to Mugello "head start" with recent GT track day

Vettel was "close" to F1 retirement, joining Aston Martin "not an easy call"

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