Four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel was driven out of Ferrari by constant criticism.
That is the view of double world title winner Mika Hakkinen who can appreciate Vettel’s decision to leave the Scuderia at the end of this year.
The Finn quit F1 at the end of 2001 following what proved to be a poor final year with McLaren at the age of just 33 – as the German will be in early July.
Asked whether he recognised Vettel in himself, Hakkinen told the F1 Nation podcast: “His age is not the problem. He’s still a young guy.
“I feel that he had a big disappointment at Ferrari. Enjoyment of the teamwork disappeared from Vettel. He didn’t enjoy so much any more inside the team, because I think he was criticised enormously all of the time.
“When you are in a team, it has to be shared this kind of pressure and criticism. It’s not just for one person.”
Hakkinen, however, feels Vettel could at least have done more to make himself a more likeable figure.
While many drivers employ the different forms of social media to show the unfiltered side of their character, Vettel has consistently turned away from such platforms.
“He’s a great personality,” added Hakkinen. “He’s a nice guy. I’ve known him for many, many years, and when he opens up about himself, his family, his career in motor racing, he’s a really good guy.
“I think he’s been communicating with fans, for example, a lot through the media press conferences but I feel that is not enough. I don’t say what he has to do differently, but I wish he would express himself more to the public through social media, to show who he is. They would love to hear.” – he concluded.
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