Vettel doesn’t fear F1 mid-season drop despite struggles

Sebastian Vettel has dismissed any suggestions that he will be dropped mid-season after his torrid start to the Formula 1 2020 season.

Vettel has struggled for form in 2020 and languishes in 13th place in the drivers’ championship, while team-mate Charles Leclerc sits in fourth with two podium finishes to his name.

Last weekend’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix was the lowest point of the season for Vettel as he spun on the opening lap after hitting the kerb at Silverstone's Turn 1. 

Despite only having ten points to his name after five rounds, Vettel insists he’s not worried about being dropped mid-season.

"I don’t know, I don’t think so," Vettel said. "We’ve not even considered talking about it. It’s not a question for myself. As I said, I know what I am aware of, I know the job that I can do. At the moment as I’ve said it’s not been the cleanest run but I am sure if things calm down and I get a decent chance then I will use it."

The four-time world champion refuted the idea that he's been getting unequal treatment from Ferrari and remains hopeful of making improvements at this weekend's race in Barcelona. 

"At the moment I would think so. If not, I would say otherwise" Vettel added. "I am just trying to do my job. Obviously at the moment it’s not plain sailing and all calm, rather rough sea but it is what it is. I have to do the best I can, which is staying focused and waking up in the morning trying to do the best I can and being fairly open-minded and trying to tackle it. 

"As I said, I didn’t have the greatest of weekends at Silverstone - normally a track I really like. Didn’t get into a great feeling with the car and wasn’t able to extract as much as Charles was for whatever reasons. There’s not much I can do other than doing my job and working together with the guys around and my car to make sure we get the best package together."