The 2 real reasons for Vettel's Ferrari split
We all know he loves the whine of an old V12 and hates the ping of an Instagram notification, but you really have to hand it to Sebastian Vettel for injecting a bit of good old-fashioned intrigue into the worst and most mind-numbingly boring Formula 1 'season' of all time. F1 scribblers obsessing about Lando Norris on Twitch or whether the budget cap will be $145 million or $147 million next year got the very best kind of news early this week. Namely, some actual news that makes the heart beat faster rather than the eyes glaze over.
Unfortunately, it probably means we'll see about as much of Seb in 2021 and beyond as we've seen his wife Hanna or his young children. In other words, having tracked every flash of that dreaded diagonal victory finger throughout his four consecutive championship years, and every subsequent whine on the radio in his comparatively fallow and error-ridden days in red, Vettel looks set to follow in Nico Rosberg's tyre-tracks as another 32-year-old German retiree.
In their undies at home rather than with dictaphones in their hands in the paddock, Formula 1 journalists are now wondering if Vettel will seek another seat. In the meantime, it's fascinating to have tracked the details of a top F1 driver's 'silly season' while every single Formula 1 person is confined to their homes. Normally, this type of stuff is played out in whispers behind motorhomes and then relayed in various ways to those who aren't there. This time, all the whispers have been digital.
In the Ferrari press release, it was claimed that the decision was mutual. But let's be clear - no divorce has ever, in the history of planet Earth, been mutual. Yes, husband and wife may grow to despise one another, but one has to declare that 'It's over' first.
We all watched Vettel's dodgy last couple of seasons, and particularly the way he didn't really cope with the way Ferrari clearly fell in love with its new and fresh-faced number 1 driver who speaks perfect Italian, and out of love with its new number 2 who even pronounces "pasta" with a thick German accent. But as the timeline bears out, it seems that Ferrari actually wanted to keep him - for 2021 only. It was reported that Ferrari ultimately agreed to a two-year deal, but only if Vettel agreed to have his massive retainer slashed by two thirds.
It is at this point that Vettel - without social media or even a manager - reverted to an old strategy to describe Ferrari's offer as a disrespectful "joke". That strategy? He (allegedly) leaked it to his favourite German journalists. Another source claims that the negotiations were never advanced enough to get to the matters of money or even the contract term.
Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc
It was on Monday that Bild (the most popular and widely circulated newspaper in Germany) and Auto Motor und Sport (the most respected German specialist publication in Formula 1) broke the bombshell news about Vettel having told the Prancing Horse to prance all the way off a bridge. They cited 'sources' - but the plural was not really necessary. The source, I and many others strongly believe, was Vettel alone, more than happily bunkered down with the young family that he clearly loves dearly on his secluded and picturesque property in Der Thurgau, a German enclave in northern Switzerland.
Given that the authoritative news spread faster than coronavirus, Ferrari was forced to write up the press release about the "joint" decision the following morning. On Wednesday, Enzo Ferrari's son and vice president of the company, Piero Ferrari, likened the split to an amicable separation and divorce. And while that can't really be denied by anyone, given that drivers coming and drivers going is just part of the natural order of Formula 1, the actual details of what went wrong are definitely more interesting.
One major Italian newspaper claims "icy winds" have been blowing between Vettel - a down-to-earth and likeable and yet often fiery and bad-tempered individual - and Ferrari for quite some time. What precisely has been blowing in those winds for months upon months upon months? Based on information sourced only from major, respected and insider media sources in both Italy and Germany, I've come across what appears to be Vettel's actual gripes with Ferrari, which all seems to have also been leaked from a diagonally-fingered German with a shaggy beard and a dodgy Italian accent:
1. Leclerc's connections
Charles Leclerc & Nicolas Todt
Obviously, young Charles' performances are a major reason for Vettel's glum face and decision. But there's more to it than that. Leclerc, fast-tracked onto the saddle of the Cavallino after just a single year at Ferrari-powered Sauber, was already the jewel in the crown of Ferrari's young driver academy. But more crucial was the surname of his manager, Nicolas Todt. Apparently, Seb became pretty darn frustrated with the way Leclerc, perfectly connected to Ferrari's insiders, past successes and legacy - not to mention the FIA president! - was standing tall and bulletproof atop Ferrari's notorious political mountain. One source talks of Leclerc breaching "several" internal agreements regarding Vettel's status throughout 2019, and always emerging from the murky swamp as clean as a whistle. And once it's over politically for a driver at Ferrari, it's definitely over.
2. Ferrari's ethics
Old entrance Ferrari Factory
Another few sources claim that Vettel became worried about Ferrari's competitiveness, which was rapidly diminishing at exactly the same rate as rival teams and the FIA were cottoning on to the way Maranello was skating on and beyond the thin grey line between legality and (dare I say it?) cheating. When the Scheisse hit the fan over the engine legality claims, FIA president Todt (senior) was ready with one of the most controversial secret agreements for a Scuderia that he carried on his shoulders to handfuls of world championships just a couple of decades ago. According to the source, Vettel wants none of it.
For what it's worth, that's what the grapevine is whispering. On the record, Seb told one source: "I only discuss things like this with the team." So who knows what's true and what's not and what's in between. But, as I sit in my undies like every other Formula 1 writer, it sure beats talking about budget caps and alternating between replays of old races and Lando Norris' Twitch stream. And whatever Vettel does next, I'm quite sure we all wish this great champion and unforgettable F1 personality all the best for the future.
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" rather than with dictaphones in their hands in the paddock" - Andrew, that is a very interesting comment from one professing to be an F1 journo, yet has never been in in the paddock ring, held an FIA accreditation nor welcome at the circuit at all. You ARE the epitome of those on the couch in their undies that you mocked. You have no credibility. And, it shows.
Too much caffeine, Joe. Maitland is the most entertaining scribe (so what if he compiles others' notes?) since the early days of F1 when we searched our metal mailboxes for printed reports and opinions. Keep bringin' it, Andrew. You're fun when we need some.
You can say what you want about Andrew, but at least he isn't hiding behind some kind of nickname, writing sour comments. He did get you from your couch to write this comment. :-)
Such a contradiction, Leopold.
Maitland is the epitome of hiding.
He is, after all, one who self-proclaims himself as an F1 journalist, yet never, ever meets his industry peers face to face at the factory, the paddock, the garage, the press pen or anywhere else. He pushes his credit-less and source less negative and at times malicious agenda from his home office on the other side of the world in Gawler in the spineless and faceless manner in which he is abhorred for.
One can only wonder why this morally compromised puny little angry degenerate has such a deeply seeded hate for the industry that he focuses so much of his worthless energy on.
I sense it is simply out of jealousy and spite that the industry he so dearly wished to be recognised in, has rejected him so resoundingly.
Hi Coffee Shop Joe, Adam Parr, Ben Hunt or whatever your name might be. We know your point of view and would like to go on with our lives now. Have a nice day.
And yet many sites remove said writer as a contributor - simple
May I invite you to write better columns?
Mr GMM is so sour, so sad. Glancing at his Twitter to find he tweets relentlessly but gets no engagement whatsoever, he criticises others but evidently wishes he was part of the club. He sits on the outskirts of Formula 1 envious he isn't allowed in. Instead he is banished to the unread corners of the internet, scouring foreign media sources waiting to poorly translate and misquote articles to resell them as clickbait.
He is tired and angry at the sport he loves, but he can't move on. Stuck in his grumpy, lonely life.
Things haven't turned out as he hoped those 20 or so years ago when he started up. There were highs but now only lows. He can't keep up with new media, he has little to offer but still he continues, it's hard to admire his fight as he retreats into his jealousy further and further every day. Call it a day Andrew, you won't find the respect, success or happiness on the path you're on.
Dear Dieter, thank you for your comment. I do want to ask you to please follow our commenting guidelines and spill your guts somewhere else.
Dieter, you spend waayyy too much time on social media. How about you climb out of the dreary twitter petri dish and comment on our sport. Have some fun!
Joe, same suggestion.
Leopold - seems most votes concur my sentiment. Relieve us of Andrews credit-less tripe.
The editor should read some facts and accept the opinions of readers.
Andrew Maitland has never held an FIA accreditation, and they will never issue him one.
He does not attend races.
He does not attend tests.
He has never worked in a team.
No teams will interact with him.
He has no viable industry contacts.
His writing and attitude has precipitated this permanent black listing a long time ago.
Consequently, his ability to be an F1 journalist with any substance of credibility simply does not exist.
In the context of his contributions to this outlet, it should be disclaimed out of respect for the reader.
Ethics aside, if one were to dig deeper into his moral constitution, the word repulsive becomes relevant.
Your opinion is valued, Adam, and you are entitled to avoid reading authors with whom you disagree. My point would be that Maitland does not claim "journalist" as a title. He is a commentator who brings thought and a bit of humour to our sport. As for the owner of this site, he/she has zero obligation to edit content out of respect for readers. This is ENTERTAINMENT, not a legal brief. We are free (thank God) to read elsewhere.
Think again. Maitland is listed as an F1 Journalist on this very website. He can dream.
How’s the weather in South Australia, Adam?
Leopold, based on your above comment this website is, therefore, entertainment, not journalism.
Journalism involves establishing credible resources and reporting the facts.
Not playing to the sociopathic self envy of one pretending to be.
Pity on you, Leopold.
Thank you for you comment and opinion. As ReallyOldRacer already replied, if you don't like our website or content... you are free to read elsewhere.
Brilliant analysis Andrew. Keep up the good work!
„When the scheisse hits the fan”
Brilliant - unfortunately can be used only once before getting old
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