Italy loses faith in 'disastrous' Vettel
The Italian press has lost faith in Ferrari's current number 1 driver, Sebastian Vettel.
Charles Leclerc battled for victory in Austria and raced spectacularly at Silverstone, while his teammate Vettel was outqualified and then slammed into Max Verstappen in the race.
"Ferrari has a new leader," said the authoritative La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Leclerc is combative and energetic and has finally captured the heart of the Ferrari fans," it added, describing Vettel as "again disastrous" last Sunday. "Vettel has shown that he is not the driver that Ferrari wants. It is now clear that something is no longer working."
Corriere della Sera declared: "Vettel loses his head once again, while the youngster Leclerc is gaining all the time in prestige."
La Repubblica added: "For a long time, Vettel has no longer looked like a four time world champion, while the little prince Leclerc was driver of the day."
And La Stampa said: "Maranello, we have a problem.
"Almost like an older brother, Binotto defends Vettel but the driver's crisis seems to be endless."
Former F1 driver David Coulthard said Vettel's current problems remind him of the final days of Michael Schumacher's career. "At the end of his career, Michael Schumacher also started hitting other cars and eventually he realised that he was the common denominator," he is quoted by German media.
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I think Vettel must be frustrated not being able to get on terms either Mercedes at the mo, can’t blame him for not trying, it’s easy to criticise when you aren’t in his position.
John - Mercedes are the least of his problems. His team mate and Verstappen are widely viewed as far better drivers and he needs to come to terms with that first before worrying about Hamilton and Bottas
"Being viewed as," and "being" are two entirely different things.
Victories and points, in the final analysis, are the only normative benchmark in that regard.
There is no doubt that Verstappen and Leclerc are excellent drivers. Extrapolating from that that that is Vettel's problem says more about you, than it does about either of the three drivers.
Perhaps if Ferrari hadn't asked Leclerc to move over so early on and so often in the season Leclerc would be ahead on points by now.
Still at least by your points statement being the ultimate final analysis means Hamilton is a far better driver, very unusual for you!
Now back to the point about Vettel and Italian Press
"...Hamilton is a far better driver, very unusual for you!..."
You are very good at misrepresenting my views. Taking a leaf from your alter ego's book (BlackDog), are you?
I am infinitely better qualified to state my views than either of you.
I the local, Appalachian, vernacular that is said: F*****k you and the horse you rode on in.
Vettel is aware he cannot keep up with Mercedes drivers ,and Red Bulls have improved to such a level that Ferraris must be worried that in future races Max will be doing his best to stay ahead of Ferraris. Hence Vettel is going to put up a fight and push too hard to stop Max and more errors would occur unless he realises that it would be more prudent of him just to avoid Max and not get too close to him as Seb has done on different occasions, after all ,neither of them is going to win this championship but I guess it is just matter of prestige so I trust Seb will be somewhat wiser in the next race and just do his own drive and hopefully he can win a race or two before the end of the season or the end of his F1 career if that happens.He does not need anything more from his racing as he has achieved enough titles and he can enjoy other interests outside F1 and be happy that he does not have to pay attention to comments on his driving skills or his errors. Let Leclerc and Max chase each other and provide excitement for the crowds, but I am sure they will make a few errors before they reach the top ,and it is questionable If they would manage to get more world titles than Vettel .
Agree
Perhaps the common denominator is Ferrari and not just their 4 time world champ...
Seb may be close to use by date now if he doesn't get his head down and tail up...Kimmi, only Kimmi knows...Alonso, no comment required...Hamilton is chasing all the records and still hungry.
In my opinion, Alonso should replace Vettel next year. Seb and Ferrari needs a change and Fernando is capable to fight with Hamilton while Leclerc arrives.
At least you are honest about - it's your opinion.
Both Alonso and Hamilton - God's gifts to Formula - have raced against Vettel, and routinely lost to him.
Inescapable, logical, conclusion is: Hamilton is no better than Vettel, he just happens to be in better equipment.
Personally I think Bottas or Ricciardo at Ferrari would be a much neater fit with Leclerc. Alonso really struggled with McLaren on the track and his time at Ferrari really is done , that camp has evolved and are about to go ballistic again.
There’s still some muttering from grownups in the industry about the Dutchman going to Ferrari, seems very unlikely now with the recent win in the Honda but stranger things have happened.
The condescending comment about Leclerc being "sore" about Austria has pretty much shut the Ferrari door for Max, for the time being at any rate. If Ferrari is not prepared to protect their drivers what's the point of driving for them? Gain Max and lose Charles!? Not enough to live off the difference.