Formula One F1 - Eifel Grand Prix - Nurburgring, Nurburg, Germany -Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel wearing a protective face mask ahead of the Grand Prix REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay
Safe to say, Sebastian Vettel has not endured an enjoyable final season with Ferrari. The team and driver have both known for some time now that the relationship has become strained.
Vettel will have a new racing project in Aston Martin to look forward to in 2021. Ferrari, similarly, will have Carlos Sainz Jr in their ranks soon to compete with young star Charles Leclerc.
As a result of that realization, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher feels that Ferrari hold limited conversations with Vettel. He also said that seemingly, the experienced German is no longer part of the technical development setup.
A major part of the reasoning is that Vettel will not continue with the team in 2021. So, Ferrari find it wise to involve Sebastian in only those conversations that concern him.
Schumacher stated, “The team really focused on one driver and left Vettel out of the way.
“Sebastian is only told what he absolutely needs to know.” (translated via Google Translate)
Just about recently, Vettel had said that he felt there were differences in his and Leclerc’s cars. Naturally, team principal Binotto had refuted that theory.
Although speculation will continue to bubble, it is possible Ferrari afforded their latest upgrades to just Leclerc’s car. The results in Nurburgring, Portimao, and Imola were there for everyone to see.
More often than not, we have heard Vettel speak over the radio with Ferrari. The 33-year-old German has offered some good insights on what they could do better.
Now, at Aston Martin, he will get the chance to have a major say. He will get to express what he thinks would benefit the team, and what direction they could take in order to have a better shot at podiums.
There is undoubtedly massive potential at currently named Racing Point. However, both Vettel and Aston Martin’s futures can change with a successful and functional relationship.
Vettel is currently 13th in the Drivers’ standings with 37 points. However, his focus will lie in honoring his commitment to Ferrari in the remaining races, and leaving on a graceful note.