Ferrari, Vettel: “I wouldn't have wanted to be in Nico's shoes”

In an interview with Auto Motor Und Sport, Sebastian Vettel returned to talk about the last Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, underlining how the world battle between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton influenced the choice not to launch too aggressive attacks in the final part of competition. After a beautiful comeback from fifth place, in fact, Sebastian Vettel found himself in a position to attack the two Mercedes standard-bearers in the very last laps of the race, coming close to winning the Grand Prix. However, the German preferred caution, leaving relatively little room for two contenders for the title. Precisely in this sense, the Ferrari driver underlined how Rosberg's situation was very complex, both due to the people coming back from behind and the very slow pace maintained by Hamilton from mid-race onwards, and that the German's strong nerves were were fundamental to winning the title.

Here are the words of Sebastian Vettel: “Nico was too fast on the straight and the only possibility of overtaking was turn 11. I knew I had little chance given that he managed to defend himself quite well and for this reason I avoided stupid maneuvers that could have jeopardized both Nico's and also about Lewis, since he was very close to us. I certainly wouldn't have wanted to be in Nico's shoes. It was an absurd situation with me and Verstappen coming back from behind and Lewis, in front, almost stopped like a bus."

“He held his nerve and absolutely deserves the world title. You don't become champions by luck alone and Nico's race is confirmation of this. After 21 races she was in front and she's the only one that matters." he concluded.

Roberto Valenti