Ricciardo and Alonso Support Vettel amid Mistakes

A number of F1 drivers have defended Sebastian Vettel amid suggestions multiple driving mistakes have cost him the 2018 title.

Most recently, three spins have raised eyebrows about the Ferrari driver’s mental state and skills.

“I’ve looked at his on-board and I really can’t say he did anything out of the ordinary,” Daniel Ricciardo, who clashed with Vettel in Austin, said in Mexico.

“That’s why I want to defend him. I know it’s happened a few times but I certainly don’t want to tell Seb how to drive a racing car,” he added.

Fernando Alonso agrees, saying Vettel’s trio of recent mistakes is “pure coincidence”.

“We can’t forget that he’s more under the magnifying class than most others. It’s about every tiny detail, but I think the spins are more coincidence than driving mistakes,” he added.

Vettel himself said that analysis of the spins is understandable, and he may try to approach his attacking moves differently in the future.

“If the car spun, it means something went wrong,” said the German.

“Everyone has their opinion, but I don’t think I did anything stupid, even if I know that there were too many incidents.

“But in the future I will still try to use any chance I get, but I’ll try to ensure that the car doesn’t do a U-turn,” he added.

As the teams head to Mexico for this weekend’s race, the championship is more or less over. Now, Vettel will be looking to consolidate his 2nd place as well as take some personal pride. However, he will not have it easy as everyone will be out there for themselves. Hamilton will be an ever-present threat, Valtteri Bottas will also be trying to gun for a maiden win in 2018. Aside from the Mercedes duo, Kimi Raikkonen’s recent form will also be a major threat in the win department.