Sebastian Vettel claims the passion and tradition that Ferrari is famous for are not a weakness.
Currently, the Scuderia is in the midst of its longest drought without a Formula 1 championship, with the 2008 Constructors’ title the last one to their name.
Asked what holds Ferrari back, the emotional nature of the team and a commitment to what they’ve done over the past 90 years is often cited as reasons why.
However, Vettel argued otherwise.
“The strength of this team is the passion for Ferrari,” he told Motorsport.
“I think that’s what drives people coming in and going out every day. I think it’s really the legend and the myth of this brand and to become a part of that history.
“It’s very Italian inside, has very Italian rules and traditions, which is great that they are kept, but equally it’s very modern.
“I think sometimes also this is misunderstood because you look at Italy to say that they are very traditional with lots of things and ‘la mamma’ and all this, whatever.
“But, you know, people are still very, very forward-thinking,” he insisted, “and I think we have a lot of young great talents in the team, great people with great ideas, creative ideas, and that’s why in a way it’s a shame that we haven’t, you know – in terms of results – haven’t had that breakthrough yet.
“That’s why also the focus is there to keep working, do our thing because I believe that one day we’ll be there.”
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When Vettel made his move from Red Bull in 2015, it was with the desire of following his hero Michael Schumacher by winning the F1 title at Ferrari.
Five seasons in, that goal is unfulfilled and now the German’s future at Maranello is uncertain but he remains committed to the task.
“The mission is still the same because we are not at the top,” he explained.
“Obviously Mercedes has beaten us the last years, so the mission is still up. Obviously we had a lot of races and we made a lot of experiences.
“I think there were some great moments and there were some moments that were not so great, but as I said the mission is still there and the target is still there to achieve the mission, to win with Ferrari.”
