Ferrari Never Loved Sebastian Vettel: Ecclestone

Sebastian Vettel has been slowly but steadily recovering from a horrendous farewell season with Ferrari last year. Through most of 2020, the German was stuck amidst the lower mid-field pack, while his teammate, Charles Leclerc, regularly churned out handy points for the team.

What’s more, Ferrari showed the door to the 4-time world champion, which may have damaged his confidence immensely. However, despite the poor showing, Vettel kept stressing the point that he is still quick enough.

So what could be the reason behind his dismal form last season?

Well, former F1 CEO, Bernie Ecclestone, expressed his thoughts on why Vettel couldn’t pull off a strong season with the Prancing Stallion. Furthermore, he slammed Ferrari for Vettel’s substantial drop in performances on the track.

Bernie’s view of Sebastian Vettel

As reported by Sport1, the 90-year-old revealed that Vettel is extremely sensitive. Hence, the lack of love and respect from Ferrari’s end caused the German to deviate off the path since his move to the team in 2015.

“What many do not know: Sebastian is very sensitive. He loves to be loved. That has never happened to him at Ferrari,” the British business magnate said. (Translated from German using Google Translate)

Following the tough outing with Ferrari, Vettel got himself into Aston Martin, where Vettel definitely looks much comfortable. And that classic smile that remained hidden over the past few years is finally starting to show again.

Furthermore, Aston Martin also mentioned that if Vettel fails to hit the targets in 2021, the blame would be on the team and not the driver. Hence, this could most likely take the pressure off the German and he can go about his business as he had done before his stint with Ferrari.

And it wouldn’t be much of a shock if the 007 team manages to revive Vettel’s older form that wreaked havoc in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Forget the Ferrari past, says Ecclestone

Bernie Ecclestone had advice for the 4-time world champion amid the approaching 2021 F1 season. In order to unleash the true pace, Bernie demanded that Vettel move on from the past.

“The best thing he can do and what everyone can do is forget the Ferrari past. Then he can find his way back to his old strength,” he said.

It has been a tough start for Vettel in terms of on-track runs with Aston Martin. The German constantly faced technical issues as he spent more time in the garage than on the track.

But it looks like the British team is looking very much confident about the season, and so is Vettel. Considering the team churned out massive runs with Lance Stroll, Aston Martin may have gathered enough data required for the season opener set to take place in a week’s time.

Hence, despite the tricky start to his new phase, can Vettel flourish over the upcoming F1 season? Can he guide the team to glory?

Also Read: Sebastian Vettel Reveals His Major Learnings From His Time at Ferrari