Lewis Hamilton had an error free 2018 season, one where he managed to out race Vettel and Ferrari, despite Ferrari having the stronger package for a large part of the season.
Vettel had a forgetful second half of the season, one where he was involved in multiple crashes, bringing down the Ferrari advantage massively.
Later on in the season, when Mercedes had the faster car, Lewis was able to take advantage of it and did not allow Seb or Ferrari to come back into the championship race.
Vettel has been heavily criticised for everything that transpired on track in the second half of the season.
Former Ferrari president, Luca di Montezemolo has said that Hamilton enjoyed his best season ever this time round and would have won in a Ferrari.
While he did not want to belittle Vettel by saying that, it was just that Hamilton had a splendid season behind the wheel of the car.
“This year Hamilton made the difference in his best season since his debut,” the Italian said.
“He has had moments of weakness and crisis, but this year with Ferrari he would have won. I say that not to belittle Vettel, who has every opportunity to rebuild with a competitive car.” he added.
Montezemolo holds Vettel in high regard, emphasising on the fact that everyone makes mistakes and that he needs the support of his team, now more than ever.
“Ferrari did a good car this year, which in some situations was even better than Mercedes. But the final part was missing,” he continued.
“Vettel made some decisive mistakes, but for the world championship you have to do everything to keep him up. He is a driver of the highest order and always close to the team.
Montezemolo about Vettel: "Vettel is a great driver. He won important championships and is able to put out some really amazing laps in qualifying. Especially now that a strong young man (Leclerc) with a great future is joining, we have to support him even more!"#F1 #Seb5
— tami. (@Vetteleclerc) December 4, 2018
“In frustration he must be supported, even more so with the arrival of a very strong boy (Charles Leclerc) with a great future.
“[Michael] Schumacher also made mistakes in the first days, but it is always important to speak clearly in the locker room and support the team in public.” he concluded.