[ad_1]
Experts and fans of Formula 1 have been concerned about the future of Sebastian Vettel. It is now clear that Ferrari has finished for the German after this season.
What about Heppenheimer now? And what hopes from the German perspective are there for the main class in the future?
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher speaks on SPORT1 on the reasons for Vettel’s departure from Ferrari and the consequences.
SPORT1: Mr. Schumacher, what do you say when you say goodbye to Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari?
Ralf Schumacher: It’s a shame, especially for Sebastian, who had a completely different dream with Ferrari. If you’re comfortable with that, that’s fine. So it was predictable at the end of the season, especially from Monza, that the team had listened to Leclerc. I think there were many more behind-the-scenes disputes than we can imagine. If a driver no longer feels comfortable or no longer feels support, then he has to go. Sebastian was unlucky that Leclerc had such a strong year.
Schumacher: Vettel certainly has alternatives
SPORT1: Do you think Vettel will end his career or change to another team?
Schumacher: Of course there is a possibility that it will stop. But I read that he said that the Ferrari matter failed because it was not in the long term. You see yourself at an age where you want to think and drive for a long time. I am very sure you have alternatives. You don’t have a manager, but you wouldn’t be encouraged to make a decision without an alternative.
Buy current Formula 1 fan items now – here is the store The | MONITOR
Formula 1 in Germany “has a big problem”
SPORT1: In the last ten years, up to seven German drivers have been active in Formula 1 at the same time. There could only be one next year, or none if Vettel ended his career. Why is that and the young German has possibly made mistakes?
Schumacher: There were always phases in Formula 1 in which some countries were very strong. The Germans had a great exaggeration, which my brother certainly provoked. There was great interest in Germany, also in terms of marketing, television and viewers. That turned a little. We no longer feel that. Even if you can’t tell the number of drivers, the hype is very strong because of Lewis Hamilton in England. I imagine there is still a lot of England. In Germany, the whole fight of motor sport. I have been talking about the big problem for eight years. It starts in karting: we hardly have any tracks left, kart drivers are less and less. If I don’t have seedlings, I don’t have any trees at the end of the day. Now that’s what happens to us.
SPORT1: Are you worried that the mass of German talent is still missing?
Schumacher: Some Germans are already on the right track. Everything is coming together right now. German industry has also lost steam in the meantime, and many things have changed. Manufacturers have reduced the marketing budget for young people a bit. Ferrari should be praised, they still do a lot with their program. There is no such thing in Germany. Mercedes also decided to do this. Toto Wolff makes the team excellent, but he has decided to unearth the drivers who are a little further, regardless of their nationality. That does not help young people.
Try DAZN for free and experience outstanding sports live and on demand The | MONITOR
Mick Schumacher? “You have all the options”
SPORT1: The great German hope for Formula 1 is now Mick Schumacher, who drives in Formula 2 and is very talented. Can you make it to Formula 1?
Schumacher: Mick has shown that he can drive a car. Otherwise, he would not be a Formula 3 champion. His first year in Formula 2 was quite acceptable, he had some good results and even a victory. Everything is fine, but it is re-evaluated every year. He is now in his second year. You don’t necessarily have to win, but you should be in the top 5 or ideally in the top 3. You shouldn’t push it too hard, either. So far, the signs are good. He is also a Ferrari junior, so he has every opportunity.
SPORT1: How much does Mick Schumacher’s success in Formula 1 depend on his team’s choice?
Schumacher: He’s under contract with Prema, so the team choice is ultimately a minor problem. He is already in the best team, so he will not fail.
