Sebastian Vettel has opened up about the pivotal factors that allowed Charles Leclerc to ascend over him during their time together at Ferrari, revealing insights that highlight both the struggles of the legendary driver and the burgeoning talent of his teammate.
Back in 2019, Leclerc was thrust into the spotlight as he joined Vettel, who had been a fierce contender for the World Championship in the previous seasons. Despite the anticipation surrounding Ferrari’s performance, the early races revealed a stark reality: Mercedes was once again in a league of its own, dominating both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Yet, Leclerc’s remarkable ability shone through as he outperformed Vettel, racking up 260 points against Vettel’s 244, securing two wins compared to Vettel’s singular victory. This dramatic shift in performance ultimately led Ferrari to make the difficult decision not to renew Vettel’s contract after the 2020 season.
The 2020 season proved to be a nightmare for Vettel, marked by the underwhelming performance of the SF1000, which left him with a meager 33 points, significantly trailing Leclerc’s 98. In a candid reflection, Vettel acknowledged that by the time Leclerc joined the team, he was no longer at his prime. “I came to Formula 1 in 2006, ‘07 and I would say already by 2010 – obviously I won the championship – I was sort of at my peak,” he shared in a recent episode of the Beyond the Grid podcast. He elaborated on his career trajectory, noting that the years following his championship victories were filled with intense competition and success, but by 2019 and into 2020, he was on a downward slope.
Vettel’s admission reveals the weight of the pressure he faced, compounded by Ferrari’s struggles. He expressed how the mental toll of the team’s challenges affected him, particularly in light of his past successes. “Charles had so much energy,” he noted, contrasting their mindsets. While Vettel was accustomed to a relentless pursuit of victory, Leclerc approached his new role with a refreshing enthusiasm, celebrating finishes that Vettel saw as subpar. “When we finished fifth and sixth, he was over the moon,” Vettel remarked, indicating that this was a reflection of their differing career stages.
As the pandemic disrupted the racing calendar in 2020, Vettel found himself in a unique position. The unexpected break allowed him to reconnect with family and reassess his life and career. However, he also recognized that this period of reflection coincided with a growing awareness of broader societal issues, which further distracted him from his racing focus. “I would say at that time I was probably not on the peak anymore,” he confessed.
The narrative of Vettel and Leclerc at Ferrari paints a vivid picture of the complexities within the world of Formula 1, where talent, timing, and mental fortitude can dramatically alter the trajectory of a driver’s career. As Vettel steps away from the sport, his reflections not only shed light on his personal journey but also underscore the rising star power of Leclerc, who is poised to continue making waves in the world of motorsport.
