Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone believes Sebastian Vettel would be a lot happier at Red Bull than Ferrari. The 89-year-old opened up on the possible reason behind Vettel’s struggles and advised him to consider other options beyond 2021. Vettel, like the majority of the grid, doesn’t have a contract for next year.
Ecclestone backs Sebastian Vettel – Red Bull return
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2019 was a difficult season for Sebastian Vettel. The 4 times World Champion couldn’t achieve his boyhood dream of winning a title with Ferrari yet again. Moreover, the year marked the meteoric rise of his younger teammate – Charles Leclerc.
At the end of the season, it was quite clear that the Tifosi had found a new hero to look up to. With the tide turning in Leclerc’s favor and fans backing the Monegasque, Vettel is heading into this season with a monumental task of proving that he’s still got it.
Comparing Vettel’s time at Ferrari with Red Bull, it’s quite clear where Seb was more comfortable. Yes, he was a lot younger back then but the way Red Bull operates made for a stress-free workplace. Ferrari, on the other hand, is carrying the hopes of an entire nation, as it searches for Championship glory once again.
It’s unlikely for Red Bull to sign Vettel and shift away from its pro-young driver policy. However, Ecclestone feels the German driver would be better off at the Milton Keynes outfit.
Speaking to Autosport, Ecclestone said:
“We’ve seen it before: all of a sudden the kid from nowhere who nobody has heard of [Charles Leclerc] comes along and performs, and everyone fell in love with him at Ferrari. I’m close to Sebastian, but we don’t talk about things like this. But I’m guessing he feels a little bit that he has been put on the back-burner”
“Well, he’s not in an easy position. His contract runs out at the end of this year. If this year he could show his capabilities, he should stay with Ferrari. If not, he was very happy at Red Bull, because they loved him…”
Ecclestone also believes Vettel should have never left Red Bull in the first place. Nevertheless, Vettel has an important decision to make. One that could very well decide his F1 future and the 2021 driver market.
