In a recent interview for Swiss German-language daily newspaper ‘Blick’, former Scuderia Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel discussed his time alongside the Maranello team, Mick Schumacher’s debut season in Formula 1 and the outcome of the 2021 Drivers’ title, which was decided on the last lap of the final race:
You are still the last winner with a Ferrari since Singapore 2019 and now the red cars are a minute behind in many races..
Sebastian Vettel: “That is clearly due to the lead of Mercedes and Red Bull. Unfortunately, they continue to be so blatantly superior. But at some point, Ferrari will win again and become world champion.”
Are you happier now than you were in 2020 with Ferrari?
Sebastian Vettel: “Well, my departure from Ferrari was perhaps a bit strange. In that respect, I am happier now than before. But I would never want to miss my time at Ferrari. Even if my planned big successes failed to materialise there. After all, we wanted to become world champions.”
Your teammate Lance Stroll is the son of the team owner. Are there any problems there?
Sebastian Vettel: “Not at all. We have a professional relationship. And the team works like that. The team has been bringing in a lot of staff for months for the new start. There is a great atmosphere of optimism. I like that, and I also enjoy continuing [racing]. New things have always motivated me.”
There were hot discussions all over the world about the Formula 1 final race in Abu Dhabi. Satisfied?
Sebastian Vettel: “So-so. The whole thing left quite a strange impression. The field behind the safety car should have been sorted much earlier. I made the suggestion on the radio after the first lap. I had only seen the Dutch fans jumping up on the last lap. Then I knew: Max is in front. Lewis had no chance with his tyres. Both deserved it. It’s a shame for Hamilton, because he had a really strong second half of the season. Now I just congratulate both drivers.”
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What do you think of Mick Schumacher’s first Formula 1 season?
Sebastian Vettel: “Mick did well in the worst car in the field. And his main task, keeping Mazepin behind him, he confidently did that!”
But Mick also destroyed more cars than any other driver..
Sebastian Vettel: “In the first year, you still have to learn a lot. And if you are not allowed to continue this process, then it will be difficult. I wish him a better car for 2022 that does justice to his talent.”
What do you think of Valtteri Bottas?
Sebastian Vettel: “Somehow I think it’s a shame that he has to leave Mercedes. But maybe the new regulations at Alfa Romeo in 2022 will help him, so that things will finally be more balanced in the field and he’ll have more chances. Valtteri is one of the most straightforward and honest drivers. And above all, he is also one of the fastest drivers in the field. I’m happy that he can play a much more central role there than before. Valtteri certainly didn’t always have it easy in his five years alongside Hamilton. But I am also sure that he was always treated fairly at Mercedes.”
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