Sebastian Vettel's reflection: "Red Bull era was unbeatable, at Ferrari I would have changed something"

Three years after retiring from Formula 1, Sebastian Vettel has taken the time to reflect on his journey in the sport, particularly on the contrasting chapters he experienced with Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Ferrari. The German driver, who was last seen on track in the 2022 Formula 1 season with Aston Martin, opened up about the successes, the setbacks, and the personal evolution that defined his time in the pinnacle of motorsport. With four consecutive World Championships all secured during his dominant spell at Red Bull Racing, followed by six emotionally charged years at Ferrari, including two painful runner-up finishes in the Drivers’ Championship, Vettel’s story remains one of the most compelling in modern Formula 1 history.

Throughout the years, much has been said and written about Sebastian Vettel. He first stunned the motorsport world as a prodigious talent by claiming a sensational victory at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix in Monza with Scuderia Toro Rosso. That early triumph cemented his reputation as a future star. However, during his dominant run with Red Bull Racing from 2010 to 2013, opinions began to diverge. While many hailed him as a motorsport legend in the making, others were quick to attribute his success primarily to the performance superiority of his car.

When Sebastian Vettel arrived at Scuderia Ferrari, his German nationality and his close friendship with the legendary Michael Schumacher reignited comparisons with the seven-time World Champion. Ferrari fans were hopeful that Vettel would become the new symbol of glory for the Maranello-based team.

The years 2015 and 2016 were largely transitional for both Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari. During this period, the team was working hard to catch up to the dominant Mercedes team, which was sweeping championship titles with Lewis Hamilton and later with Nico Rosberg. Back then, patience was urged and the narrative was: “These things take time.” However, the dream of winning a world title with the Prancing Horse ultimately never materialized.

Now, years after leaving the sport, Sebastian Vettel has shared his thoughts in an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF. Reflecting on his time at Maranello, he admitted: “I do not regret joining Ferrari, but perhaps I would have done some things differently.” This candid reflection offers a glimpse into the complexity of his time with the Scuderia.

Sebastian Vettel discussed these personal and professional reflections during an episode of the podcast Sport am Sonntag, where he talked about the emotionally delicate transition from Red Bull Racing to Ferrari. One specific regret clearly stood out: the loss of the human connection he once had. According to Sebastian Vettel, certain contractual agreements and the nature of his departure from Milton Keynes made the exit from Red Bull abrupt and impersonal, leaving behind a sense of unfinished business.

Despite this, Sebastian Vettel confirmed that he has maintained positive relationships with personnel from both teams. Although his time at Ferrari did not result in a championship, it was filled with meaningful experiences, powerful emotions, and unforgettable memories. Nevertheless, there is one truth that remains, even years after the conclusion of his active career: “It is true that I spent a beautiful time at Ferrari, but a part of me still identifies with Red Bull,” he admitted.

This statement underscores how deeply the Red Bull era shaped not just Vettel’s professional identity, but also his emotional connection to the sport. In many ways, it was at Red Bull Racing that Sebastian Vettel found his competitive peak, while his time at Ferrari was unfortunately marked by a blend of hope, pressure, and ultimately, a sense of unfulfilled potential.