Share

Vettel-Ferrari collapse 'incomprehensible' - Doornbos

Former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos has joined those who are critical of Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari's handling of their 2018 title quest.

Now with just four races to go, winning the championship seems like an impossible task for German Vettel, despite recently having the best car in the field.

'Why did he have to be so eager'

Doornbos, a former Red Bull driver, said Vettel's failed move on Max Verstappen was just the latest example of a critical error in 2018.

READ: Italian press savages Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari

"Why did he have to be so eager? It's incomprehensible, when so much is at stake for him and his team, to put himself in an impossible position next to Max," the Dutchman told Ziggo Sport.

Doornbos has joined those who think the pressure got to Vettel and Ferrari.

"It went away so quickly. After 10 races he was 8 points ahead of Hamilton and 7 races later he's 67 points behind and it's over," he said.

'Vettel must be challenged'

Doornbos thinks the fact that Ferrari has decided to oust Vettel's teammate and friend Kimi Raikkonen is a sign that the Maranello team "no longer always listens to Seb".

"Vettel must be challenged and Kimi does not. So they're putting a young dog (Charles Leclerc) next to him and let's see what happens. It's time for a fresh wind.

"The mental war has clearly been won by Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. In bad times there is often a hint of panic in Ferrari," he said.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()