“You’re Racing for Yourself”-Sebastian Vettel on Team Orders From Ferrari in 2020

All anybody could talk about yesterday was Sebastian Vettel. The 4 times World Champion made a startling revelation regarding his Ferrari contract and how the Scuderia never made him an offer in the first place. However, while his contract is a done deal, he still has an entire season left with the Italian team.

Many believe Ferrari is likely to favor Charles Leclerc or give the Monegasque preferential treatment over Vettel. With the German leaving next season, Ferrari will be looking towards the future.

Not trying to make Charles’ life easier on track: Sebastian Vettel

That raises the uncomfortable question of team orders and how Vettel would react to the same. The German has dealt with team orders in the past and it’s no secret that he isn’t the biggest fan. But would a departing Sebastian Vettel, with little to lose, play the team game?

The German answered the burning question in the pre-race press conference.

“Well I’ve always tried to integrate inside a team and the same goes for my time with Ferrari”

“As much as you want to have success on track and look after your own result I think in the end you’re driving for a team as well”

“This is year is very difficult to answer because we don’t know what type of season we will have ahead of us”

“We don’t know yet how competitive we will be”

Vettel went on to add that he expected both drivers to help each other out if the situation came up. The German doesn’t see his contract affecting his dynamic with Charles Leclerc.

“At the same time, obviously you’re racing for yourself”
“So, you know I’m not trying to make Charles’ life easier on track, in terms of waving him by”

Vettel and Leclerc had many moments on track last year. Controversial team orders from Ferrari ultimately culminated in the pair ruining their respective races. As a result, It’ll be interesting to see how Vettel approaches his final year with the Maranello outfit.

With the pressure off his shoulder, will we see a ruthless Sebastian Vettel in 2020?

Racing returns this Sunday with the Austrian Grand Prix.