Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel admitted to a feeling of being “upset and angry” following a dismal showing at qualifying that saw him end in 18th position ahead of the season-opener in Bahrain.
The four-time world champion joined Aston Martin ahead of this season after a rather disappointing time at Ferrari over the last couple of years.
The 2020 season in particular was one that Vettel will hope he can soon wipe out of his memory. A dismal showing meant that the Maranello finally decided to end its association with the German after six years of him plying his trade for the red team.
It even led some to speculate that he has suffered “psychologically” during the latter stages of his time at Ferrari.
It wasn’t the smoothest start to life at Aston Martin either. Vettel will have to meet with stewards and a five-place grid penalty beckons.
Given that he ended in 18th position, this will push him right to the back of the grid.
“It is what it is,” Vettel said.
“We’ll have to see what we can do tomorrow, but I am still learning. If I panic now, would it help?
“For sure, I am upset and angry that it wasn’t our fault, in a way, not to make it through, but we have to take it and do what we can for the race.”
His final Q1 run saw Vettel pick up two yellow flag interventions. The incidents involved Haas driver Nikita Mazepin and ironically enough, Carlos Sainz — the man who replaced him at Ferrari.
“Certainly, I think there was potential for us to be a lot faster, but had the issue obviously with the yellow flags during the lap so that made it impossible to come back,” said Vettel.
Drivers are required to slow down when a yellow flag is waved as a safety precaution. Vettel will have to meet with stewards as a result of failing to do so with respect to the Mazepin incident.
If the German is found to have breached this rule, it will result in him starting at the back of the grid. It is unlikely to make much of a difference as he was going to feature in the 18th position anyway.
Do you believe Vettel’s time in the sport is limited? Or will he be able to rescue his career at Aston Martin? Let us know in the comments section below!
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