Vettel Says He’s ‘Optimistic’ About His Career, Ferrari Trying To Make Progress

The two Ferraris focused on race pace in FP1 at Spa and are expected to struggle this weekend.

Four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel has said he is optimistic about his future in Formula 1 despite the difficulties he is currently facing at Ferrari.

The German said the Maranello-based team is trying to make progress this season, and he pledged to do his best to end his stint at Ferrari on a high.

READ: Belgian GP FP1 Roundup: Bottas On Top, Ferraris Focus on Race Pace

“I think as a team we obviously try to make progress, and individually try to make the best out of the situation.

“It is what it is, it’s not an easy one, but as I said, we are trying to make the most out of it. I trust the people that I have around me, the guys in the garage,” he said.

“There’s a lot of people, I’ve said this before, who have given so much over the years. It’s only a sign of respect to give everything that I have back as well, independent of the amount of races that I have left for the team.”

Continuing, Vettel said he isn’t focussing on the negatives of the situation, nor is he counting down his races at Ferrari.

“I think first of all, I’m not counting the races, I’m going race by race, and I’m trying to do my job, to do the best I can looking forward.

“I’m always optimistic, and rather see the opportunity than the struggles,” he said.

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“Independent of what happens next year and the years after that, I’m trying to enjoy the time that I have left with the guys that I’ve spent so much time with in the last years.”

Meanwhile, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said we aren’t seeing the “real” Sebastian Vettel this year, suggesting the German is still one of the best Formula 1 drivers on the grid.

“Obviously what he achieved in the period during those years with Red Bull was quite special. I think he’s the third most successful driver in the history of the sport,” Horner said.

“And he has achieved some incredible things, many records which will stand for some time.”

Horner added: “So I don’t think we’re seeing the real Sebastian Vettel at the moment. He’s obviously having a difficult time with the product that he has at the moment. But you can’t take away anything that he’s achieved obviously in his career to date.”

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