Sebastian Vettel says he "should have done a better job” in 2019

F1 News

3 December 2019 at 19:17
  • Bevan Youl

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel has admitted that he “should have done a better job” in his 2019 Formula 1 campaign but says he doesn’t need to change his style of driving to go faster.

Vettel finished second best to Lewis Hamilton in 2017 and 2018 but strings of personal and team errors in 2019 meant that he couldn’t mount a title challenge, ending up fifth in the drivers standings, 24 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
 
The Germans only win came in Singpore, whilst scoring just two pole positions for his lowest standings finish since he joined Ferrari in 2015.
 
“I think I’ve been honest, I’ve always done what I can do,” said Vettel as quoted by MotorsportWeek.
 
“I’ve been around for long enough, and I’m honest enough to admit.
 
“Here and there, I should have done a better job, I know there is more from my side.
 
“Clearly I look at myself first, address all the points I think need to be addressed, first address the points that need to be addressed at myself so I think there are things I can do better, that I know I can do better so that’s the first thing I look at and try to do better next year.”
 
As to whether a change of driving style is needed with the pace of teammate Leclerc being made evident throughout the season, Vettel feels he doesn’t need to adjust.
 
“I don’t think there is rocket science to be changed, it’s always in the details, small adjustments, nothing big and major,” he added.
 
“I don’t need to drive differently, I know how to drive, we all work together trying to improve the car, trying to make it faster for both of us, but yeah, you’re always looking at yourself.
 
“I’m not doing the same stuff as I did 10 years ago, I’ve evolved. And I think to the better, but certainly here and there, there are things you always feel you can do better.”