F1 Legend Signals the Return of Prime Sebastian Vettel Post Baku Podium

Germany’s Sebastian Vettel did go through a rough start in his new chapter at Aston Martin. However, at the recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the 4-time world champion found himself back on the podium by coming second. Hence, former world champion Mika Hakkinen feels that we will see the “old” Vettel back this season.

The 33-year-old driver showed signs of improvement at the Monaco GP by coming 5th, then in Baku by crossing the line in P2, giving himself and his Silverstone-based colleagues their first podium of the season.

Furthermore, Hakkinen feels that this won’t be the last time Vettel features on the podium this season.

Former F1 driver, Hakkinen feels that Sebastian Vettel has found himself again

In his Unibet GP review, as quoted by Speedweeek, Hakkinen said, “It was really fantastic to see him back on the podium and so happy. 

“Sebastian had a very difficult season at Ferrari in 2020, and some people had wondered if we would get to see the old Vettel again.

“A four-time world champion knows exactly how to make the best of such a race. The basis for his excellent result was a very long first part of the race, so that later in the Grand Prix he had fresher tires than his opponents and was able to attack better.”

The Finnish driver backs the German as he extracted the most performance out of the car and hopes to see on more podiums. He added, “Sebastian drove a very competitive race, with some overtaking maneuvers that were a real treat. This result gives him and the whole team an enormous boost.

“Aston Martin didn’t have the easiest part of the first part of the season, but it’s obvious that Vettel is now feeling much more comfortable in the car. 

“If he continues to gain confidence as he did in Baku, then I am convinced – Baku will not be the only time that he can be seen on the podium in 2021,” Hakkinen concluded.

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How is Vettel doing so far this season?

The German joined the Silverstone-based outfit after going through a rough patch last season at Ferrari. In his first four races for the team, Vettel didn’t manage to crack the top ten and came home empty-handed. Many believed that Vettel’s time in F1 was over and should step away from the grid.

However, all that changed in Monte Carlo, where he placed fifth and scoring his first points in his British green-overalls. From then onwards, it looked like The German had found his old mojo back as he secured a P2 finish in Baku, giving Aston Martin their first podium of the season.

Now as he waits for the 7th round of the championship, which takes place in France. Sebastian will be hoping to have another performance similar to Baku or by taking his first win of the season. What are your predictions for Vettel at the French GP? Let us know in the comments below.

Read More: Happy for Vettel, But Ferrari ‘Surprised’ by Aston Martin’s Pace in Baku: Leclerc