Ex-Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger believes Sebastian Vettel is “suffering” along Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.
The German has been caught up in several instances of team orders with his new teammate this season, but many have questioned if his performances have been worthy of ‘priority’ treatment.
Indeed, on the single occasion when Ferrari did challenge for victory in Bahrain, it was Leclerc who had the clear upper hand while Vettel’s race unravelled.
“Vettel needs to feel at home, to live in a relaxed atmosphere,” Berger told Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He is suffering and cannot give 110 per cent, as happened when he was with Ricciardo when he then left Red Bull.”
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Recent weeks have seen speculation that Vettel could retire at the end of this season, including a new rumour last weekend in Monaco.
As well as the rise of Leclerc, the Austrian also believes the role of two championship defeats to Lewis Hamilton can’t be ignored.
“Lewis has a super ego, before leaving Mercedes he wants to match Schumacher with seven titles,” Berger stated. “He is the pilot that most reminds me of Senna.
“Seb is a hard worker like Schumacher, but compared to Michael he lacks the ability to direct the team, to ask for the hiring of key men.
“But now he is 100 per cent focused to prove that he is still the number one [at Ferrari].”
