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Vettel Says His Decline Began at Ferrari After Leclerc’s Arrival

He says the pandemic pause shifted his priorities away from a win-at-all-costs mindset.

Overview

  • In a new Beyond the Grid interview published this week, Vettel reflects on a downturn he says began during his Ferrari stint.
  • He says the slide became evident after Charles Leclerc joined in 2019, by which time he no longer felt the decisive edge he once had as a four-time Red Bull champion.
  • Vettel recalls being fixated on winning the biggest trophy and the Monday-morning high of standing as the victor.
  • He contrasts that outlook with Leclerc’s youthful energy and satisfaction with fifth or sixth as the Monegasque settled into his first truly competitive car.
  • He adds that the 2020 COVID shutdown shifted his priorities toward family and global issues, before a post-2020 move to Aston Martin and retirement after the 2022 season.