Sebastian Vettel, once the crown jewel of Formula 1, has openly acknowledged that his final years at Ferrari were marked by a significant decline in performance and motivation. In a candid revelation, the four-time world champion admitted he was “already ‘on his way down’” during his last seasons with the iconic Scuderia team.
Vettel’s journey with Ferrari began in 2015, following a dazzling six-year tenure at Red Bull that netted him four world championships. He quickly established himself as the lead driver at Ferrari, racking up an impressive 13 Grand Prix victories, while his then-teammate Kimi Raikkonen managed only a single win. The pinnacle of Vettel’s Ferrari career came in 2017 and 2018 when he fought valiantly for the championship, only to fall short against Lewis Hamilton on both occasions. However, the dynamics shifted dramatically when Charles Leclerc joined the team in 2019. The young Monegasque outshone Vettel almost immediately, scoring 264 points to Vettel’s 240 and showcasing his potential with two victories compared to Vettel’s single win, which was marred by a mechanical failure in Bahrain. The 2020 season proved to be a nightmare for Vettel, as Leclerc’s dominance continued, outscoring him 98 points to a meager 33.
Reflecting on his career during an episode of the Beyond The Grid podcast, Vettel candidly reminisced about the trajectory of his career. “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 stated. Acknowledging his decline, he admitted, “But then in fairness ‘20, I was on my way down already. And I’m happy to say that now because I didn’t have that, really, last ultimate push anymore.”
Motivation, he noted, became a defining factor in his performances compared to Leclerc, who brought a youthful exuberance to the team. “Charles had so much energy,” Vettel remarked, highlighting the stark contrast between their outlooks. While Leclerc celebrated finishes that might have seemed lackluster to a seasoned champion, Vettel found it difficult to maintain that same level of excitement after years of dominance.
The tumultuous 2020 season, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, served as a turning point for Vettel. “I get this fantastic break that I never had and enjoyed it so much with the family,” he recalled. However, this time of reflection also opened his eyes to broader world issues, leading to a realization that he was no longer at the peak of his capabilities.
Despite these challenges, Vettel sought a fresh start with the Aston Martin team, previously known as Force India and Racing Point. “I think I was ultimately looking for this reassurance that… ‘Can I still do this?’” he pondered, expressing the universal insecurities that even the greatest drivers face. He shared insight from his mentor, Michael Schumacher, revealing that even the legendary driver struggled with self-doubt.
Vettel concluded that while he might not have been at the pinnacle of his career during his last years, those experiences were crucial for rediscovering his love for driving. He served as Aston Martin’s lead driver for two seasons, achieving what would be his final podium finish in Baku in 2021, before retiring and leaving the team in the capable hands of Fernando Alonso.
As Vettel steps away from the sport, his journey serves as a poignant reminder of the highs and lows of a racing career, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the inevitable passage of time that all athletes must face.
