Vettel: I must do better in F1 2020

Sebastian Vettel says he is the “first one to look at myself” and concedes he “must do better” in the 2020 Formula 1 season.

Vettel rounded off a frustrating campaign in a distant fifth during the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as he was beaten to fourth place in the championship by teammate Charles Leclerc.

The German only managed one victory during an ultimately disappointing season for Ferrari, as the Scuderia once again suffered convincing defeats to its chief rival Mercedes in both world championships.

“We didn’t have the year we were hoping for, full stop,” Vettel said when asked to asses his 2019 following the Abu Dhabi finale.

“I think the reasons are clear, I think the lessons are clear and now we have to make sure we take them onboard.

“I think as a team we must perform stronger, and as an individual I think I must do better and I can do better. It wasn’t a great year from my side.

“I don’t think it was as bad as it looks, there were many small things leading to a very grey picture in the end but I am the first one to look at myself,” he added.

“If I’m honest, I know I can do better and that is for sure the target for next year.

“We need to make a step forward and hopefully we get a stronger package as well to be able to fight with Mercedes and Red Bull.”

Ferrari teammate Leclerc has been summoned to the stewards for a “significant difference” in the amount of fuel in his car prior to the race start in Abu Dhabi, but will beat Vettel in the drivers’ standings even if he is disqualified from the final classification.

Vettel ended the year 173 points adrift of six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who claimed 11 victories in his latest title-winning campaign.