Vettel “should retire” for Minardi
Tested positive for Covid during the first two Grand Prix races, Sebastian Vettel started his first race of the season this Sunday in Melbourne. A race that he finished in the wall 22 laps later. His level and commitment are being questioned, and speculations are rife about the future of the four-time world champion.
This weekend, Sebastian Vettel seemed only a shadow of himself, far from the driver who won four consecutive world championships between 2010 and 2013. The German reminded more of his 2020 version, during his final season with Ferrari. Blatantly dominated by his teammate Charles Leclerc and not helped by a flawed car, Vettel had finished 13th in the championship. Beyond the disastrous result, the German seemed disinterested and not particularly happy to be on the track.
This 2022 season strangely recalls 2020. As he enters his second season with Aston Martin, Sebastian Vettel is once again handicapped by a poorly performing car (0 points for the team after three races). The 34-year-old driver missed the first two races due to a positive Covid test and his place was taken by his compatriot Nico Hülkenberg. His return to Melbourne resulted in a catastrophic weekend, with the lasting image being his scooter victory lap, helmet off, after yet another breakdown of his AMR22 during free practice 1.
The image went around the world and surprised many, as it seemed to show the pilot’s lack of interest after his mechanical difficulties. This impromptu ride appeared to resemble a farewell tour. The German driver no longer seems to have much desire to drive this Aston Martin, far from meeting expectations. And for some observers, Vettel may be experiencing his final moments in Formula 1.
He just looks uninterested. That’s the impression I have. I’ve known him for a long time, we were teammates in 2006 and that’s not the body language he has when he gives his best, analyzed Paul Di Resta, his teammate in Formula 3 in 2006.
According to Giancarlo Minardi, founder of the eponymous team that notably launched Fernando Alonso’s career in F1, Sebastian Vettel’s career is coming to its end. He should retire. He has earned a lot of money, many titles, but he won’t win any more now, the Italian declared.
“A thought that had already been half-shared by the main person concerned before the start of the season. In a way, I am starting to think about my future. After my past successes, it’s logical, I still want to win. So my future will depend on whether I can achieve it,” Vettel declared.
His last victory dates back to the Singapore Grand Prix in 2019, and it will be difficult for him to secure his 54th success in Formula 1 this season, as his car is struggling. Some rumors suggest that Vettel deliberately missed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, while other whispers suggest that the German may leave the sport before the end of the season. Although these pieces of information are currently just rumors, one thing is certain: Sebastian Vettel no longer appears to have the fire and desire to race.
