F1 News
Ferrari admit Vettel "was uncomfortable with the car" in 2019
- Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has admitted one of his drivers wasn't comfortable with the team's 2019 challenger at the start of the season, as the Italian revealed Sebastian Vettel struggled with braking instability in particular.
Vettel would go on to win a single race this year in Singapore, one less than his teammate Charles Leclerc, who took seven pole positions as well compared to the German's two.
There have been a lot of tensions between the duo throughout the year too, culminating in the two colliding in Brazil, ending both of their races.
Binotto tries to look at the positives of the fierce rivalry between his two star drivers as he admits Vettel initially struggled to adjust to the SF90.
"He has been uncomfortable with the car at the start of the season, certainly with the braking instability," Binotto told Autosport.
"I think the challenge [of Leclerc] for him has been a good benchmark as well because having such a fast team-mate gave him some headaches.
"In order to improve himself, he's always very analytic. He approaches the exercise, he's not emotional in that respect, he's looking at the data, to compare the sectors, looking where he's eventually slower or faster."
Leclerc finished the year in fourth place in the drivers' championship standings, one place ahead of Vettel in fifth. Both were pipped by Aston Martin Red Bull Racing star Max Verstappen, who snuck into third place following his win in Brazil.