Sebastian Vettel’s first year at Ferrari

2014, Japanese GrandPrix practice session, Sebastian Vettel announced that he would be leaving Red Bull at the conclusion of the season, after he and Red Bull terminated their contract a year early. It was widely speculated he would be joining Ferrari, which was finally announced on 20 November, after Fernando Alonso departed for McLaren.

He made his official appearances towards the end of 2014, and at the conclusion of 2015, he finished the season with 3 wins, 13 podiums (including his wins). Only in 2 races he failed to score points, finishing 5 or 4 in the other 4 races. He finished 3 in the Drivers’ Championship, with 278 points (the most for a 3 place and non-Mercedes Driver). Sebastian Vettel, after the final race of the season at Abu Dhabi, declared the season a “Miracle”. Was it? No. It was not a miracle, its down to the hardwork put in, not only by Vettel and Raikkonen on the track, but the efforts by all the team. However, from the conclusion of the 2014 till date, Vettel is the catalyst at Ferrari in their re-emergence . Along with the arrival of Vettel, Maurizio Arrivabene was appointed team principal, replacing Marco Mattiacci, along with other top level management changes in the team.

It was noted through the mood of press conferences, that there was a new injection of enthusiasm and positivity in Ferrari after Vettel came. Vettel has been known for taking an active role in car development. The combined effort would be seen at the pre-season testing. The car was superb and the pace produced by the Ferrari Power Unit was incredible, and it was on par with Mercedes (although not on terms with the Silver Arrows), as both Ferrari and Sauber were regularly at the top of the time sheets during the pre-season testing. On his Ferrari debut, he would finish 3, well behind the Silver Arrows but by a comfortable margin, over Williams who were considered the main rivals for Ferrari. Vettel and Ferrari announced their return to the top of the sport, when he would win at Malaysia. It was the first time in nearly 2 years that both Ferrari and Vettel stood on the top step of the podium. It was also the first time that the Silver Arrows were beaten on pace.

Vettel would however be in an awkward position for most of the year. The Ferrari car, while able to occasionally challenge Mercedes was not enough to challenge them throughout a race. Yes, he would be able to reel them in the closing stages of the race, but it wasn’t enough. Yet, he was faster than every other driver on the track. He would consistently be a podium finisher, although not at Canada, Bahrain, and Austria. Canada was a good race, as he would start 23, after qualifying 18 and being handed a grid penalty, but was able to drive his way to the front to finish 5. He would also be making headlines at Spaa. After running 3 for most of the race, he would suffer a high speed blowout at 200mph. He would have some strong comments for Pirelli after the race and in the coming few days, with counter statements coming from the tyre manufacturer, defending their position and integrity of the tyres. Vettel would be supported by both Merecedes Drivers on the tyre issue, which led to all of them being told to not talk about the incident by Bernie during the Italian Grandprix.

At the home grandprix for Ferrari, he put on a strong performance for the Maranello faithful, finishing 2 and coming onto the podium to wild cheers. Not bad, considering in 2013 he came to a large reception of boos. At Singapore, he would not only out qualify Mercedes, but would win the race in a commanding manner despite 2 safety car periods. His strong perfomrances meant, people wondered if he could beat Nico Rosberg to 2 in the Drivers’ Championship, a position he held till Austin. However, a disastrous race at Mexico (his only DNF in the season) meant Nico would secure 2. A strong performance at Brazil preceded an eventful season finale for Vettel. After singing happy birthday in Italian while driving in free practice to his engineer on Friday, miscommunication during qualification meant he would start 15 on the grid. He would fight his way up, through a good aggressive drive, right pit strategy allowed Vettel to finish 4 and end the season with 278 points and 13 podiums which included 3 wins.

Although, they did fall short of Maurizio Arrivabene’s challenge of winning 4 races, which would see him run in the hills of Marenello barefoot. Ohh well, maybe if they get 7-8 wins in 2016 then he might do it.   If there was one noticeable change in Vettel, it was his attitude, especially compared to 2015. First of all, he has followed the foot steps of his idol, Michael Schumacher. He was back at his cheerful best off the track, enjoying himself. He would even enjoy his post race interviews, none more mood lightening than the one at Monaco, when he disrupted the tension between the Mercedes drivers for a bit by saying “I’m happy”. He was sharper and more aggressive on the track, like he was during his championship years.

So, on the whole a very successful debut season for Sebastian Vettel. Now for a well deserved rest for him and the team before they work for 2016.