Alesi: Vettel risked reputation staying at Ferrari

Mark Scott
Sebastian Vettel PA

Sebastian Vettel PA

Ex-Ferrari driver Jean Alesi thinks the right call has been made over Sebastian Vettel’s future at the Scuderia.

Vettel and Ferrari are going their separate ways at the end of the year, making the upcoming 2020 campaign compelling viewing as we see how the relationship will conclude between the two parties.

There was an expectation from many that Vettel and Ferrari would still be together for at least another season, but Alesi is of the opinion that the correct decision was reached because Vettel risked further damage to his reputation as a four-time World Champion had he stayed.

“I came from five years of suffering to try to compensate for the shortcomings of an under-performing machine and I was not rewarded,” Alesi told La Gazzetta dello Sport when asked if there were similarities between their respective times at Ferrari.

“But Sebastian came as world champion, had the whole team behind him and did not win because in sport it is often a matter of luck.

“Don’t forget: when Schumacher came to Ferrari he took Benetton’s management with him and it still took five years to win the title.

“Vettel arrived with only a helmet, racing suit and experience and it didn’t work, and that’s why it’s good that he leaves.

“Otherwise, he risks the reputation that he more than deserves after four titles.”

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