Singapore win was ‘key’ for Vettel’s 2019

Jamie Woodhouse
Sebastian-Vettel-PA-22

Sebastian-Vettel-PA-22

Ferrari principal Mattia Binotto, looking back to the Singapore GP, has said it was the right thing to do to let Sebastian Vettel win the race for the good of his season.

The four-time World Champion was running behind Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, but by pitting earlier Vettel was able to undercut both of his rivals and take over as race leader.

The Scuderia would not tell the German driver to let Leclerc through again, and he would go on to claim his only win of 2019.

And overall Binotto thought it was an important and correct decision as Vettel’s form improved in the second half of the season after several errors in the previous rounds.

“In the first part of the season, he has been put under a lot of pressure. I think he reacted very well in the second half,” Binotto is quoted by Autosport.com.

“The victory in Singapore has been key for him, not only for the victory itself but the trust in the team.

“He knew that he could count on the team for help, if necessary.

“But I think it was right, it was the right choice and time to let him win.

“When he had a lot of overall confidence in the car, I think he has been very fast.

“And if you look at his race pace he is very similar to Charles, who has been faster in quali instead.

“So I think I would say, well done to him for the second part of the season – well done for the way he reacted after a not easy first half of the season.”

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