Sebastian Vettel highlights importance of F1 teams looking out for each other during coronavirus pandemic. Ferrari gave its support to a delay to the 2021 rules being introduced.

Scuderia Ferrari German driver Sebastian Vettel said that Formula 1 teams must “look out” for each other during the coronavirus pandemic, to make sure every outfit is able to survive the crisis. With talks continuing between teams, the FIA and the F1 organisation to try to agree a framework to bring down the budget cap, Seb is clear that teams must not think selfishly right now.

Instead, he says the mindset that was originally planned for the 2021 rules overhaul – of making the sport closer so it was more entertaining for fans – needs to be maintained.

“With the new regulations, the idea is to bring the field closer together so if this special situation in a way would help the sport to come closer together in order to then have better racing and a better sport, then that would be a good side effect I would say,” said Vettel about the potential outcome of talks – “I think we will only be able to judge once we have some really concrete decisions in our hands and then see how they would work in practical life. But definitely, for some of the smaller teams, this situation is putting them [and] their existence in question, and it’s quite extreme. So, you know, as a family of Formula 1, I think we ought to look out for each other.”

While some teams are pushing to lower the cost cap to as low as $100million, Ferrari has stood by its position of not wanting it lower than $145m to avoid laying off staff.

Ferrari gave its support to a delay to the 2021 rules being introduced, even though it means it will have to race on for a second season with its current car – which appears to be behind its main rivals following testing.

Sebastian Vettel has no doubts his team did the right thing, however, even though it may sacrifice its chances.

“I think postponing the rules to 2022, the new set of regulations, and then still discussing some of it for ’21, the what and how and so on, I think is the right approach,” he explained – “Postponing some of it is definitely right.”Whether it’s worse or better for Ferrari, the natural interest right now is what’s right for the sport, and I think that’s the right decision for the sport. I think that’s also the intention, the most important intention, by Ferrari and the team right now.” – Seb concluded.