F1 | Vettel at Blick between Ferrari and Aston Martin: “The environment is important for a driver”

On the eve not only of Christmas, but of his new adventure with Aston Martin, Sebastian Vettel gave a long and interesting interview to the Swiss newspaper Blick, in which he addressed several topics, many of which related to his experience with Ferrari and the divorce from her.

Vettel couldn't help but comment on his long period with the Red:

“When you lead many years for a team there are always ups and downs. Driver and team experience the crisis together, it's normal. I was part of the highs and the lows. In recent years at Ferrari I have grown a lot from the point of view of personal relationships. When things don't go well, mature as a rider and as a person. With Kimi I had a splendid relationship, but with Leclerc the relationship was also positive and constructive, we met at two different moments in our career, I often see myself in him, and then I believe he is one of the greatest talents of the last 15 years".

The sore point, however, is the non-renewal. Certainly a watershed moment in the relationship between Seb and the Scuderia.

“They told me a little late. But they simply decided not to renew the expiring contract. I could also have decided not to renew it. Of course, since that day in May the conditions for the new season have changed compared to previous years  - Sebastian admitted - Then came the even sadder performances, because sixth place in the Constructors' Championship will certainly not go down in history for Ferrari. In any case, I wanted to finish the job at Ferrari, even if I hoped I could do better. Now I can't wait to start the adventure with a new team and a new car."

Above all, Seb is looking forward to working in a new environment, for him the team is a bit like a family that must make its closeness to the rider felt. The passage on the point is very interesting, and is useful to understand - probably - how much the German suffered when separated at home with Ferrari.

"When I learned of the non-renewal with Ferrari I also thought about resigning, given that the most important seats were occupied. But F1 has been the center of my life and although there are many other even more important things I feel I can still give something. This is why I got in touch with Aston Martin - the words of Vettel who then continued – I am looking forward to working in a new work environment. I believe that the environment is very important for all drivers to perform at their best. Maybe there are those who are more sensitive than others to the team's moods, but in general, especially in these difficult times, it is a huge advantage to have the support of an intact family behind you. That's why I can't wait to start with Aston."

2020 was an ordeal for Sebastian, a season of performances to forget, and more than once the suspicion of material different from that of Charles was raised. On this point, however, it is the driver himself who exonerates Maranello with great elegance:

“They are two different cars, it's normal, even if they are in theory the same thing. Let's put it this way, I assume we had the same material. I think this because I trust the guys in the pits, and I don't want to say anything bad about anyone."

The German, however, admits that he has been left out of any development or future program, given his separated situation at home.

“I am the last driver to have won with Ferrari and also the last to be on the podium. And of course I wish the Red team the best for the future, but considering that the regulations in 2021 will be almost identical, I consider Mercedes the clear favorite - Sebastian continued - But perhaps different tires or a new surface will be enough to make a difference, who can say, I haven't been involved in the Cavallino's development projects for some time. Now I just focus on what awaits me."