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Sebastian Vettel reveals shocking truth about his decline in F1: what really happened in 2020?

Redação by Redação
December 30, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Sebastian Vettel reveals shocking truth about his decline in F1: what really happened in 2020?

Sebastian Vettel seen during the Red Bull Formula Nuerburgring at the Nuerburgring in Germany on September 9, 2023. // Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202309090350 // Usage for editorial use only //

Sebastian Vettel: The Rise, Fall, and Rediscovery of a Formula 1 Legend

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, few names resonate like Sebastian Vettel. Once hailed as a prodigy and four-time world champion, the German driver has now candidly admitted that by 2020, he was already on a downward trajectory. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, igniting fierce debates about his legacy and the future of Ferrari.

Vettel, often criticized for his brash celebrations and finger-pointing victory gestures, has faced detractors who claim his titles were merely a product of the dominant Red Bull machines. However, in a sport where car performance is paramount, such criticisms overlook the immense skill and tenacity required to become a champion. The absence of Vettel from the paddock is still felt profoundly; his outspoken nature and intellectual approach to racing made him a key figure in F1, and his insights into his career are nothing short of enlightening.

Reflecting on his tumultuous stint with Ferrari, Vettel has painted a stark picture of his time at Maranello. He arrived at the iconic team riding high on a wave of optimism, yet his departure came amid a clear decline in his competitive edge. As Lewis Hamilton faces the daunting task of restoring Ferrari’s former glory, Vettel’s candid reflections could serve as a cautionary tale for the current drivers.

The 2019 season marked a turning point for Vettel; he acknowledged that he began to lose the “final push” that once characterized his racing. The arrival of Charles Leclerc injected fresh energy into the team, highlighting the stark contrast in their career stages. While Leclerc celebrated fifth and sixth-place finishes with exuberance, Vettel found himself grappling with the crushing weight of unmet expectations and a fading competitive spirit.

The struggles intensified during the dismal 2020 season, characterized by an uncompetitive Ferrari and deteriorating team dynamics. The unexpected pause brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic forced Vettel to take a long, hard look at his life and priorities. He explained, “I came into Formula 1 in 2006, and I would say that by 2010, when I won my first championship, I was at my peak. However, by 2019 and certainly 2020, I was in decline. I’m glad to say that now because I no longer had that final push.”

Vettel’s introspection didn’t stop at his diminishing performance. He reflected on Leclerc’s contagious enthusiasm, stating, “Charles had immense energy. I was used to winning; I had four championships, so I was only focused on the top spot. The feeling of winning and standing on the podium was what drove me. But when Charles celebrated finishes that I deemed mediocre, I realized I was struggling.”

The dramatic events of 2020 pushed Vettel further into self-reflection. “It was a bizarre year with COVID; we stopped racing, and I had this incredible time at home with my family. I became more aware of the world’s issues and how they reflected on me. At that moment, I wasn’t at my peak anymore,” he confessed.

Since stepping away from the track, Vettel has transformed his legacy, using his platform to champion various causes that resonate with his beliefs. Though he may have left F1 behind, he did so with respect from peers and fans alike, proving that even in decline, a champion can find purpose beyond the racetrack.

Sebastian Vettel’s journey from a celebrated champion to a reflective advocate is a powerful narrative that underscores the complexities of life in the fast lane. As the F1 world continues to evolve, his story serves as a reminder that true greatness is not solely measured by trophies but by the impact one leaves behind.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2019-red-bull-crandon-world-cupaf-corse-ferrariCharles LeclercLewis HamiltonSebastian Vettel
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