“Unless You’re Scared of Dying” – Villeneuve Explains Why Sebastian Vettel Was Right to Continue His F1 Career

Over the past couple of years, Sebastian Vettel has been a pale shade of his Red Bull form. This has led to many questioning his motivation and suggesting that he should retire, with several people even labeling his move to Aston Martin as a bad decision. However, the 1997 Formula One world champion Jacques Villeneuve believes that the German driver should not hang up his boots.

He said, “It doesn’t matter. People always say, ‘Oh, he’s not not winning, he should step down.’ It’s like everything in life: it’s a job too. It’s fun to race, but it’s also a job. With this you pay for your children’s education. You pay for everything with it.

“If you can still drive in Formula 1, something like competitive, having fun driving a car and making millions in the process, why should you step down? Unless you’re scared of dying or something. It’s always the craziest question I’m asked.” (Translated via Google Translate)

WATCH STORY: F1 Drivers’ Salaries Revealed: How Much Do Lewis Hamilton, Vettel and Ricciardo earn?

How has Sebastian Vettel performed this year?

Admittedly, Vettel had a very sluggish start in Aston Martin. However, he managed to nab a fine fifth place at the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix. This was his season-best finish for the British outfit and it came on the back of a strategic masterclass from Aston Martin. In addition to that, there was also a brilliant piece of defense from Vettel against Pierre Gasly and Lewis Hamilton.

Now, the German four-time world champion will be high on confidence in Azerbaijan. When he drove at the Baku City Circuit for Ferrari, Vettel boasted of a pretty impressive record. In fact, he has finished in the Top 5 at every race on the street circuit. Of course, the Aston Martin does not hold a candle to Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari or a McLaren.

On the other hand, he would not mind too badly if he gets lucky. Street circuits are notoriously difficult to pass on, but there is always a strategy to fall back on. The fifth place in Monaco was a massive confidence booster for Vettel and he will hope to carry it forward into the next few races.

READ MORE: Azerbaijan GP: Sebastian Vettel Hoping to Be ‘Similarly Strong’ as Monaco in Baku