Maybe we Should Give Vettel Elbow Pads – Ferrari

Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene has told Sebastian Vettel to be a stronger fighter in 2019. He jokingly tells his driver to bring “elbow pads” to help him along during battles against Red Bull and Mercedes next season.

To beat Mercedes next year, the boss of the Italian team knows they must kick out their mistakes. While strategic mistakes made by Ferrari, Vettel made a few of his own. The biggest of the season came when he ran wide in Hockenheim and lost his lead to Lewis Hamilton.

“We made painful mistakes and analysed everything to prevent it for a second time. We pursue the same goal as Sebastian. He must do the best possible in the Ferrari,” Arrivabene said.

“Maybe we should give him elbow pads to fight back better when it gets rough,” he said with a wink.

Joking aside, Arrivabene knows his own team must better prepare the car before Vettel climbs in.

“We must give him a good foundation for this; a strong car and flawless teamwork. If that succeeds, I know that Vettel performs extra well and is capable of big things,” he added.

In 2019, the German driver will be joined by Monegasque driver Charles LeClerc. LeClerc is a product of the Ferrari Driver’s Academy and will be eager to prove his mettle. Both drivers have said that they will not play a supporting role to each other.

Whether that will come back to bite them, is anyone’s guess. On one hand, Vettel has said that he does not expect any problems from LeClerc. But on the other end of the spectrum, LeClerc will not be willing to play wingman.

How things will pan out for the Scuderia, is their call. Will Ferrari let the two drivers battle for dominance or will they pull out the number 1 and number 2 card?