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Since the embarrassing last minute cancellation at the start of the season in Melbourne, Formula 1 has been taking a break from coronavirus. Including the Australian GP, ten Grand Prix have been indefinitely canceled or postponed until the end of June. Now the start, probably as a phantom race, is scheduled to take place in Spielberg (Ö) in early July. But the work still rests in the factories of the racing teams. F1 race drivers like Wahl-Thurgauer Sebastian Vettel (32) are trapped at home.
In a video conference with selected international media, the German Ferrari star speaks from his home about …
… The uncertain moment of the start of the season:
I hope that it is possible to start at the beginning of July and that everything does not go back any further. Everyone wants to go back to their normal life. But currently it is not possible to determine the time. The virus must be slowed down first. I know from Mattia (Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto, editor) that teams regularly discuss when they can drive again.
… Possible ghost races:
Driving in front of empty seats is strange. But there are two sides to consider. On the one hand, economic considerations. Teams, especially smaller ones, need the Grand Prix to survive. On the other hand, I don’t think it’s right to exclude fans. They are important for sport. With empty lines, it wouldn’t look good on television, either. But we have to be prepared for the fact that the first few races will be different than usual.
… New life at a standstill:
He is very calm with me. Also much calmer than during the winter holidays, because then I practice other sports such as skiing. But now nothing happens. But it is good that you can spend a lot of time with the family.
… Family life at home in Thurgau:
It never gets boring with kids! There is nothing to stay in bed with in the morning. Three children also mean a lot of work. But I really enjoy spending time with the family. It is a contemplative time. If they spend more time together than usual, they come up with topics that would otherwise be left behind. In general, I also hope that the new appreciation for small things will continue after the crisis.
… Your daily routine at home:
I have a program all day, not only with the children. I can do a lot at home or in the garden that would otherwise have been left behind. I just go shopping. And of course I do a lot of sports.
… Home office training:
Due to the good weather, I can train a lot outdoors, like riding a bike. I don’t miss a gym. I have most of the devices at home. I can organize the training myself. I am now in week 4 and have already planned weeks 6-8, otherwise I cannot plan several weeks in advance due to many trips and appointments. So I have more training opportunities than usual, I just miss racing.
… Your Ferrari contract expires at the end of 2020:
At first everything stopped, in the sense of contract negotiations. But we still have enough time to finish discussing this. It is not a top priority at this time.
… The first wish to end the crisis:
Career! And I would have to go to the hairdresser again. Although there are certainly people who are more willing to go to the hairdresser than me. You will surely want to see the family members from whom you are now separated as quickly as possible.
… The current simulator competes with F1 stars:
It’s not for me. Ever since I have kids, Sim Racing has not been on the top of my list. But now some friends and racing drivers have put a little pressure on me to do a line lap at night (smiles). That is why I have had a simulator at home for a few days. But I am not aiming for a virtual career. I don’t have practice, I don’t want to be ashamed (laughs).
… Your personal perception of the crown crisis:
The situation is very serious. All the measures taken so far were correct. Of course, everyone wants to know when normalcy will resume. But I think there is still no concrete answer to this question, even if some countries have already loosened the reins or plan to do so. But we must remain patient and responsible.
… the situation of the crown in the country of Ferrari Italy:
It makes me very worried. The photos of Italy are terrible, you will not forget them. Some team members are affected and have grandma or grandpa in the hospital. The situation is sometimes very serious, fortunately there is no death in the personal environment of the mechanics and technicians. You have to be aware that people are fighting for their lives. This puts some restrictions on purchases in the background and makes it clear that we have to comply with current regulations. Health is the most important.
