Sebastian Vettel no longer truly believes in the title
The four-time reigning Formula 1 world champion, Sebastian Vettel, has ruled out winning a fifth world crown. A few days before his home Grand Prix, he believes that the gap is too significant.
As the summer break of the 2014 Formula 1 season approaches, Sebastian Vettel is 95 points behind current leader Nico Rosberg. There are 275 points still available in the upcoming 10 races, including 50 for the winner of the Abu Dhabi GP, the last event of this season.
« If you look at the points, mathematically, we can still fight for the driver’s world championship, it would be stupid to say that we are out of the race, » he stated for Autosport, before admitting: « We have to be realistic: Mercedes is in a position where they can win every race and get a one-two finish, without being too bothered, if everything goes well. Our goal is to catch up to them and beat them as soon as possible, but the gap is very large, therefore, it’s difficult to catch up with them in a short period of time. »
At the start of the season, the German driver thought he could adapt to his car and its technical innovations, despite disastrous winter tests for Red Bull. It turned out that the RB10, like the rest of the field, was affected by the drastic reduction in aerodynamic downforce imposed by the 2014 technical regulations. It was a car that did not suit the driving style of the four-time world champion. Added to this was a less competitive Renault V6 turbo hybrid engine compared to its rivals, and it was ultimately Daniel Ricciardo who made his mark by adapting more quickly, even winning the Canadian Grand Prix.
« I have never been stressed during the season by focusing entirely on the championship. I really took the races one at a time, trying to get the best out of myself and the car. The gap is very big, we will fight to catch up with them in big strides, but our goal is for the team to improve and do a better job, » he concluded.
On his side, when questioned by The F1Times during the British Grand Prix, his rival Fernando Alonso clearly stated that he had given up on the world title: « Yes, I think that if someone other than Rosberg and Hamilton tells you they believe in the title this year, that person is lying and I don’t like to lie. »
