Sebastian Vettel Unveils the Secrets Behind Charles Leclerc’s Ascendancy at Ferrari!
In a shocking revelation, former Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel has opened up about the dramatic shift in power dynamics within the Scuderia during his final years with the team—a shift that propelled Charles Leclerc ahead of him in the hierarchy. Vettel, who was once a formidable force in Formula 1, acknowledges that the decline of Ferrari’s competitive edge during his tenure set the stage for Leclerc’s impressive rise.
Promoted to the prestigious Ferrari seat in 2019, Leclerc faced off against the seasoned Vettel, who had previously been embroiled in fierce championship battles with Lewis Hamilton. However, while pre-season optimism surrounded Ferrari’s prospects, the reality of the season proved grim as Mercedes ruthlessly dominated the early races, snatching both championships away from the Prancing Horse. Despite these challenges, Leclerc managed to outperform Vettel, scoring 260 points compared to Vettel’s 244, and clinching two victories against Vettel’s solitary win. This performance ultimately led to Ferrari’s decision not to renew Vettel’s contract beyond 2020.
The 2020 season saw Ferrari’s competitiveness sag further, leaving Vettel grappling with an underwhelming SF1000. His dismal performance resulted in a mere 33 points, while Leclerc soared to 98. Reflecting on this turbulent period, Vettel candidly admits that he was no longer operating at his best when Leclerc joined the fold. “I came to Formula 1 in 2006, and by 2010, I was at my peak,” he shared on the Beyond the Grid podcast. “But by 2019 and 2020, I was already on my way down. I didn’t have that last ultimate push anymore.”
As Vettel’s career at Ferrari progressed, his mistakes became more frequent, signaling a troubling decline. The mental strain of Ferrari’s struggles in 2019 weighed heavily on him, particularly as he recognized that the SF-90, albeit flawed, was still a step up from Leclerc’s previous machinery. “Charles had so much energy,” Vettel noted, contrasting their mentalities. “I was spoiled—I had won four championships and countless races. All I wanted was to win again, while Charles was elated with a fifth place finish because it marked a new chapter in his career.”
The tumultuous 2020 season, marred by COVID-19 disruptions, offered Vettel an unexpected hiatus—a break that he cherished with his family. “I enjoyed it so much, but I also became aware of the world’s problems through my kids, and that reflection affected me,” he confessed. “At that time, I was probably not at my peak anymore.”
As fans and followers of the sport dissect these revelations, it becomes clear that Vettel’s introspection reveals not just the personal battles of a once-great champion but also the broader narrative of a team desperately trying to reclaim its former glory. The unexpected rise of Leclerc amidst Ferrari’s decline serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the cutthroat world of Formula 1.
With the future of Ferrari now hanging in the balance and the 2026 regulations just around the corner, all eyes will be on Leclerc to see if he can carry the legacy forward—or if he will face the same challenges that plagued his predecessor. One thing is for sure: the exhilarating saga of Ferrari is far from over!
