Sebastian Vettel looked at least quite calm behind his face mask. The suffering Ferrari driver didn’t want to know much about the funky squabble at the completely disappointing race in Silverstone last Thursday in the paddock at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. “We talked about it, clarified it and continue,” emphasized Vettel. Four days earlier, he had accused the Scuderia strategists of having “screwed up” after getting stuck in heavy Formula 1 traffic due to an early tire change.
Vettel now emphasized that he was not frustrated. “I’m pretty relaxed,” he said rather: “I like what I do, that helps.” However, following behind should not be beneficial to the passion of a four-time champion in the long term. The way Vettel goes on and helps the team shows his great character as a racing driver, but praised world championship leader Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes.
“Don’t expect miracles”
The 35-year-old six-time world champion is no longer the reference driver for Vettel. The native of Heppenheim first has to orientate himself towards his team mate Charles Leclerc. “Charles has shown that you can drive good races,” said Vettel. The Monegasse got 35 points more from the first five Grand Prix than Vettel in the Corona emergency season. Another bitter balance from Vettel’s sixth and last season at Scuderia.
But Leclerc is also preparing for a difficult weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. And despite the new chassis, Vettel does not expect a blatant improvement for its SF1000. “I don’t expect miracles,” he said.
Vettel’s modest hope: a smoother weekend and a smoother Sunday at the race (3:10 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker on Formula 1 as well as on Sky and RTL) than last at the races to forget in his farewell season from Ferrari. Vettel has no doubts about equality in the team. Otherwise he would say it too, said Hessian.
On the course in Catalonia, Vettel won the Red Bull in 2011. He does not run with a chance to win this time. The goals are set significantly lower. “It will be a tough weekend for us to bring everything together and collect points,” said Vettel.
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