Some paddock figures are toying with the idea that Sebastian Vettel might soon call time on his F1 career.
A number of people have sensed a change with the four-time world champion, who moved to Ferrari last season after spending much of his career as a Red Bull-backed driver.
"Some things we have seen before with him, but it has been a bit more uncharacteristic than in previous years," said Vettel's 2014 team mate, Daniel Ricciardo.
Vettel's former boss Christian Horner has also sensed Vettel's change.
"It is not an attribute he had when he drove for us," he said. "Obviously his frustration he is vocalising, and everybody can hear that."
Neither Vettel or Ferrari are willing to discuss the terms of their new contract. Vettel's deal with the Italian team expires at the end of next year, and former driver-turned commentator Martin Brundle thinks it could be a sign that the German could be heading out of Formula One.
"I'm beginning to think Sebastian Vettel won't be in Formula One for the long haul," he said. "He came so young, he broke so many records. I just watch him at work and he's lost his mojo."
And an unnamed figure told the Times newspaper this week: "Seb could just walk away.
"He has won four titles and he has nothing to prove. He is a private man with a family. He doesn't crave the spotlight and he may think he has had enough.
"It would be a shame, but he could do it."
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Replies (4)
Login to replyBarron
Posts: 625
There's definitely something afoot with Sebastian. I believe the story is pretty well spot-on.
ianf1
Posts: 185
Seb got used to winning all the time at Red Bull, when they stopped winning was the start of the rot setting in. Being shown up by Ricciardo didn't help, and jumping ship to a team that is always looking over it's shoulder and run by fear has proved a bit of a disaster. So I tend to agree, he comes across as a fair weather racer and is probably not in it for the long haul.
ringo
Posts: 3,633
i find Ferrari strong somehow team effort lacks something also if you look at the race pace, they are pretty good. but two world champions are no guaranteed of things, vettel was good to have a young 2nd driver to focus more on 1 as shumacher did.. there is ferrari good in... two good drivers is useless on ferrari side....point out.. problem is mostly strategy and some team work is not the care is terible as hell race are pretty good.... at the end he was so quick versus Ves, minimal on same lenght as redbull
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
More stuff top fill the pages, Next it will be someone else. F1 journalism is easy just pull random stuff from your butt hole. Less work and more BS is the way to go in that segment, best part being the pay is very very good. Almost criminal.