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Sebastian Vettel, 115 GP with Ferrari, three more to close six years of history. Connected from Bahrain, he is cheerful and repeats: “I look forward, the past cannot be changed.” But to move forward you have to take a step back.
Fourteen wins, after Schumacher and Lauda are Ferrari’s most successful drivers, how does it feel to go out like this?
“Not bad, but the balance could have been richer: 14 is just a number, it doesn’t matter.”
You arrive at the end of 2014, with the dream of imitating your idol Schumi: what comes to mind when you remember those days?
«Sergio Marchionne on the phone:“ Why don’t we build something together, would you like to help us make Ferrari win again? ”. I told him yes “.
What was the environment like?
“There was a lot of hope. Also from me. Since he was little, the Cavallino was a legend, thanks to Michael’s legacy ».
Your first day in Maranello as a driver?
«On November 29, 2014 at Fiorano. I was excited, but I also focused on the busy schedule. I had already shot there with the Toro Rosso, but with the Rossa everything changes. I will never forget”.
The most beautiful victories?
Malaysia 2015, second race, a wonderful start. And Montecarlo 2017 ».
Marchionne, who was he to you?
“A very powerful man, sometimes impetuous, he also had a lot of influence in F1. He was not an easy guy, it was difficult to argue with him. But everyone respected him. His disappearance was a shock to us.
E Maurizio Arrivabene?
“It was not understood from the outside, it played a very important role in the relaunch. I immediately felt comfortable with him, despite some difficulties. There was trust between us, he went through difficult times. It’s hard to be a team manager when you’re close to the goal and then you don’t reach it. I learned a lot from Maurizio ».
How close were you to the World Cup in those years there?
“What’s the point of thinking about that?” I look forward. Anyway, I answer you: in 2017 the car was very competitive. The following year we had a better “package” with more potential. But we couldn’t develop him to fight in the final phase of the championship, so we didn’t win.
Regrets?
“No, things happen for a reason. For better or worse. Yes, we could have been better, it would have been good to win the World Cup. But in those moments we did what we thought was right. ”
Let’s move on to 2019, Charles Leclerc arrives. Is this the beginning of the end of your Ferrari adventure?
Charles has nothing to do with it. You have to look at the journey in its entirety: after the peaks of 2017 and 2018, last year there was no progression and this year it was even more difficult for several reasons. However, we are pushing hard to become competitive again. But I don’t think like that, in the ups and downs: I was part of this team for six years and I was the first to want to help me recover.
Did you feel betrayed when Mattia Binotto called to tell you that he would not renew your contract?
“No”.
How is your relationship
Well, it’s professional. I am old enough to understand and accept decisions. I had a lot of time to reflect on the aftermath. I don’t hold a grudge, I’m not the type. ”
He was back on the podium in Turkey, but 2020 was very tough. Why? The car doesn’t suit your driving style?
“That is not the problem, a driver adapts. Certainly my departure from the team (announced before the start of the World Championship ed) did not help, it was not the same situation as before. However, I tried, suffered in qualifying and then in the race I got stuck in traffic. But even this experience has made me grow, now I am much more positive than 4-5 months ago. I hope: 3 GP again with Ferrari to get it right and then the new challenge. I know I’ll have fun. ‘
With l’Aston-Martin, seems optimistic.
They are by nature. I hope for beautiful things ».
How did Lawrence Stroll convince you?
“He is a very successful man in business, he has shown that he knows how to make the right decisions. The negotiations were direct and honest from the beginning. It’s a special situation, my partner will be my son Lance. We are all very motivated.
Do you still think you can win another title after 4 with Red Bull?
“Let’s be honest: now only those who drive a Mercedes can win it. But I’m happy where I’m going, we have the potential to impress. And then in 2022, the rules will change, never say never.
Did you ask Riccardo Adami, your faithful track engineer, to follow you?
«I think Riccardo will stay at Ferrari, we’ve known each other forever and he’s a friend. It is one of those that represents the values of Ferrari, if the brand is unique it is because there are such people in Maranello.
Is it true that you keep all your notepads since 2007? What are you doing?
“The newspapers are not thrown away, maybe I will keep them for life. Sometimes I reread them to remind myself how I dealt with some episodes. With whom I spoke, with whom they told me ».
LAnd how many Ferraris do you have in your garage?
“I’m not telling you, tell me yours, how many do you have?”
Yes, I have models.
“Here I have twenty models.”
Is Leclerc the strongest teammate you’ve ever faced in F1?
“They have all been strong, but he is the most promising. It will be one of the future stars. I’d be surprised if it wasn’t.
What’s so special about Hamilton besides talent?
“Will, commitment, dedication”.
The return of Fernando Alonso.
«I am happy for him and for the fans. But the truth is that I am more focused on myself than on Fernando ».
Mick Schumacher in F1, the announcement is expected. What effect does it have on her?
“For me, Mick is Mick and Michael is Michael. It is strong, it will lead the way. Unlike everyone else, I don’t associate it with the Schumacher surname because I know what it means. It also saddens me a bit that Michael can’t be here celebrating his son’s successes. I don’t know how many other drivers would have achieved a race like the one Mick did.
Would you erase something from your career at Ferrari?
“Nothing. They have always been emotions: good or bad.”
CThe one that Ferrari will leave you?
“An immense heritage of friendships, human values, memories, people who will always be with me, even if I am far away.”
November 28, 2020 (change November 28, 2020 | 09:57)
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