Sebastian Vettel is discussing if Charles Leclerc played a role in him being shown the door at Ferrari, but stopped short of blaming Mattia Binotto.
Sebastian Vettel was asked by Italian Corriere della Sera if he felt he could win the title at Ferrari. To put things in perspective, Ferrari did not win a single title last decade, losing out to Red Bull and Mercedes. Incidentally, Vettel won all his titles with Red Bull before making the dream move to Ferrari.
“What’s the point of thinking about it? I’m looking ahead.”
“But to answer you, in 2017 the car was very competitive. The following year we had a better package with more potential but we weren’t able to develop it to fight in the final phase of the championship, so we didn’t win.”
Vettel was also reminded that despite not winning a title with Ferrari, he is their third-most successful driver in terms of race wins. The only two drivers more successful than him are Michael Schumacher and Niki Lauda. But Vettel being who he is played it down.
“Not bad, but the balance could have been better. 14 is just a number, it matters little.”
Also read: Sebastian Vettel to Mercedes: “If I had the chance to drive a Mercedes myself, I wouldn’t say no”
Role of Mattia Binotto and Charles Leclerc in removal of Sebastian Vettel?
Asked if team principal Mattia Binotto had an agenda which led to his dismissal, Vettel rubbished it with a “No.” He also clarified the relationship has always been professional, and he is old enough to move on.
“It’s professional. I am old enough to understand and accept decisions. I had a long time to reflect on the aftermath, and I don’t hold a grudge, I’m not the type.”
When pressed if Charles Leclerc’s arrival had any impact on his dismissal, the German chose to deny this too. Ferrari have been poor, but Leclerc has outshone Vettel and strengthened his reputation even further.
“Charles has nothing to do with it.”
“You have to look at the journey over its entire duration: after the peaks of 2017 and 2018, last year there was no progression and this year was even more complicated for several reasons.
