The rollercoaster that is Sebastian Vettel’s final year at Ferrari was on full display across the Italian Grand Prix weekend.
After the events at Spa, expectations were already low for the Scuderia’s home race, though the four-time world champion did admit it was probably easier emotionally that his final race in red at Monza was without the Tifosi in attendance.
Speaking ahead of the weekend, Vettel also said the relationship with the team remained normal despite his looming departure at the end of 2020.
“I don’t feel pushed out,” he said via Motorsport Week.
“We are very open, also vocal and when something is not right – and that’s for Charles [Leclerc] and myself – if I get asked, I would answer and if I don’t get asked, I might say it, nevertheless.
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“I’m open, I’m here to do my job until the end of the year and there might be a lot in it for the team but there’s also a lot in it for me.
“I enjoy racing and I want to make sure I can get out of the car at the end of the year knowing that I’ve done everything I can to put all the things together that mattered, to get the best result.”
Also before the action began, Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto insisted all was harmonious between team and driver.
“No, this is his life. He is happy competing,” he told Corriere della Sport on if he thought the 33-year-old would be “happier at home waiting for a new job”.
“Not only that: at this stage, he is showing what a beautiful person he is. The team has given him so much in recent years and he feels he owes a lot. His desire to help make the season end better is strong.”
However, after a torrid weekend that saw Vettel qualify 17th and retire after eight laps with brake failure, his mood was very different.
“It’s over and done,” he told RTL on if there was anyone to blame for Ferrari’s struggles.
“It will be difficult for us this year and next year in this respect it does not concern me anymore as the team has chosen a different direction than I did.
“As I said I will try to fulfil my task until the end of the year, but of course it is not easy when things go like this…”
At the same time, however, Seb did have some sympathy for the rest of the team.
“I am not the only one who has to fight his way through, the boys as well, they might have it worse,” he added.
“At the moment we are getting beaten pretty properly, and rightly so, but we have to get through it.”
Just nine races left to go until its all over.
