Ferrari Fanatic Sebastian Vettel Refused to Blame His Dream Team Despite 5 Years of Misery & Heartbreak

Sebastian Vettel had his dream come true when he joined Ferrari in 2015, after spending six seasons with Red Bull Racing, where he won four consecutive World Championships. But another dream of his couldn’t be realized, which was to win the championship with Ferrari.

Vettel had a strong start to his Ferrari career, winning three races in his first season with the team and finishing third in the standings. Vettel gave his best, competing in a weaker car over the years and delivering strong performances. But the team’s lack of competitiveness and a series of unfortunate and costly mistakes during races took a heavy toll on Vettel.

Speaking about his experience at the Maranello-based outfit during the Beyond the Grid podcast, the German, as quoted by Motorsport Turkey, said, “I paid the emotional price in my 5 years at Ferrari. I felt pressured not from being a Ferrari driver but from my expectations for myself. I am still very happy and at peace with what we have accomplished. But of course, looking back, it took some time to recover.”

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The driver, although he didn’t achieve his goal, is content with his time at Ferrari. But hearing from him that it took him a while to recover confirms his fans’ belief in the driver’s hardships and exhausting time at Maranello.

Sebastian Vettel reflects back on his time with Ferrari

Sebastian Vettel won 14 races with Ferrari over five years. The numbers took a shocking dip as the Mercedes ran riot on the track, with Lewis Hamilton as its leader. Despite the challenges, Vettel acknowledges his great moments with the team. 

He, as quoted by PlanetF1, said, “I had a lot of fun. I think I have a very strong emotional connection to Italy, the people of Italy, and to Ferrari as a brand.”

“It was a privilege to race for Ferrari, and we had great moments together. So lots of memories that I will keep forever and lots of friends that I made.”

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It was during his time at Ferrari that the team signed Charles Leclerc to its longest contract ever, and Vettel mentored the Monegasque during their time together. And though he left Ferrari in 2020, Vettel would remain one of its GOAT drivers, given his performances under the circumstances then.