When it became known last year that Sebastian Vettel was leaving Ferrari, many were shocked. Some believed the German split from the team because of tensions with his teammate Charles Leclerc. However, the team principal of the Italian team, Mattia Binotto, believes that this was not the case at all.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
In the 2019 season, things went sour for the two of them. Leclerc managed to beat Vettel by finishing fourth in the drivers’ championship, and on top of their problems was the pair’s fall in Brazil. This ruined their partnership to the point of no going back.
Now that the four-time champion at Aston Martin and Carlos Sainz replace him at Scuderia, Binotto can finally reveal why Ferrari and Vettel have gone their separate ways for the new season.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
Sebastian Vettel had no hostility from Leclerc, says Binotto
In an interview with RaceFans, the team boss said: “No, no, no – what happened in 2019 wasn’t the reason. When we locked down early last year, it was time to make up our minds [on our future driver line-up]. “
SPA, BELGIUM – Sebastian Vettel from Germany and Ferrari, Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto and Charles Leclerc from Monaco and Ferrari stand for a minute’s silence in honor of the deceased Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert on the Formula 3 grid in front of the Formula 1 -Grand Prix of Belgium at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Mark Thompson / Getty Images)
“It was all the more important to make a decision very soon out of respect for ourselves and for Sebastian, in order to give him the opportunity to find another place. I’m very pleased that he is driving for Aston Martin today, ”said Binotto in conclusion.
View history: Ferrari strategy fails that we will never forget
How is the German doing in his new chapter at Aston Martin?
Vettel has joined the Silverstone team for the 2021 season. However, it began to be difficult for the German to get used to the car and to collect points for his team in the championship.
His first signs of improvement came at the Monaco Grand Prix, where he qualified eighth and finished fifth with ten points – his first win of the season.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
Formula 1 F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – Aston Martins Sebastian Vettel during the press conference FIA / Handout via REUTERS
Now Vettel is preparing for the sixth round of the championship, which will take place in the streets of Baku. He hopes for a similar result.
Has Seb really gotten back to shape? Or was Monaco a one-off event? We just have to wait the weekend to find out.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
DIVE DEEPER
