Returning Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso had recently made the sensational claim that he believes he is the best driver on the circuit.
He had Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel well and truly in his mind while making this claim.
The remark was received with a big laugh from a host of fans who found this statement rather delusional.
Now, Aston martin driver Vettel has joined that queue. Vettel is a four-time world champion and decided to respond to this statement by Alonso.
Vettel said he had no problem with rivals making huge claims, but felt that something like this could best be categorised as “ignorant”.
“It does not sound right to me to sit here and say I’m the best, but if others choose to do so that is okay with me. I have no problem with that,” Vettel said.
“But it would be ignorant to neglect or forget the amount of talent that is out there and what other people can do as well.
“How hard they work, and sometimes, even if I don’t like it, beat me when they are better. It’s about how you react.”
Vettel has recently had a tough time at Ferrari. The 2020 season in particular was extremely challenging for the German.
He struggled with form and eventually comfortably lost out to his former teammate Charles Leclerc last year.
Now with Aston Martin, Vettel believes he has a chance to rescue what was a sliding career at the Maranello.
It also did not end on the best of notes, with suggestions that he has suffered psychologically.
“In the past five, six, seven years, it has been Mercedes at the top,” Vettel said.
“If you wanted to win the championship you had to be in that car.
“Plus, the combination obviously of Lewis. I’m not giving any discredit.
“What I am convinced of is that I can be among the best, be the best.
“I have proven to be that but that does not give you a guarantee that you are the best every single day.”
Aston Martin will be hoping that the German’s confidence will help him rediscover his best form and provide the team with much-needed impetus right from the beginning of the season.
Where do you see Vettel ending at the completion of the 2021 Formula 1 season? Let us know in the comments below!
Read more: “I’ll find out whether I’m ready to stop”: Hamilton gives time frame on retirement call
All drivers do the best they can with the car they have it’s a partnership. Wishing Sebastian all the best on finding his form, F1 needs challengers.
From a Merc fan.
I feel sorry for Seb, I get the impression that he had the stuffing knocked out of him during his term at Ferrari. I honestly feel that his new team mate will beat him as well, lets face it Stroll has been getting better all the time and I think this year he might just shine, and if I am right I think this will be the last year we see Seb. A shame because I think he is a nice genuine guy, something Lewis needs to learn about!