Sebastian Vettel is not motivated by “revenge” against Ferrari with Aston Martin.
Last year, the Scuderia announced the German would be leaving at the end of 2020 before the season had even begun, as the relationship between them continued to deteriorate.
Now, however, Vettel has a new challenge at an Aston Martin team that is expected to be ahead of Ferrari on track, although a close battle is also anticipated.
But he denies there will be any personal satisfaction if he sees the red cars in his mirrors this season.
“It doesn’t do the trick for me. It will only feel good if we do well,” he said.
Also Read:
- Vettel ‘at peace’ with 2020 woes, ignoring critics
- Impressed Vettel ‘immediately motivated’ by Aston Martin opportunity
- Vettel won’t be haunted by Ferrari failure, expects ‘a couple of years’ at Aston Martin
“Obviously, we want to finish ahead, but we want to finish ahead of all of them. So it doesn’t matter what colour is behind us, it matters who’s in front of us.
“I don’t look at it as a sort of revenge type of thing, it doesn’t motivate me.”
Vettel though did appear to have a dig at Ferrari as he explained the different environment he’s arrived to at the former Racing Point squad.
“The team is still growing and things are different here,” he was quoted by The Guardian.
“It’s not about the fancy looks or the expensive, designer chairs in the office but more about the work done behind the scenes.
“From what I’ve seen the people are very capable and very talented. It’s the first time in the last one or two years that they are getting the oxygen to breathe.”
That change in atmosphere is something many have suggested could be what Vettel needs to refind his best form after two tough years at Ferrari.
And Aston Martin technical chief Andrew Green is pleased with his first impression of the four-time world champion.
“We haven’t really got into the where his head was at previously, we’re a team looking forward, but all I can say is he appears incredibly relaxed,” he said.
“He has integrated into the team very quickly, his contribution started immediately, and I think we’re going to get the best out of Seb, I really do.
“He’s at the top of his career, he’s there, so I think if we can’t extract the best out of Seb it’s our fault not his. I’m confident we can get Seb in the right place.”