Vettel aims to close out Ferrari F1 chapter with “dignity”

Sebastian Vettel says he wants to end his six-year stay with Ferrari with “dignity” as he enters his final races with the famous Italian F1 team.

The four-time champion was dropped by Ferrari prior to the start of the season in favour of Carlos Sainz.

The German will remain in the sport in 2021 as he makes the move to the newly re-branded Aston Martin team alongside Lance Stroll.

While Vettel was unable to add a fifth title to his name while driving for the Prancing Horse, he says it was an “enormous privilege” to drive for F1’s most successful team.

“I think it is a special brand,” Vettel said. “I’ve had the privilege to live through those emotions together with the fans, with the team and the country of Italy so I think that’s an enormous privilege.

“But you know, like other things, these things come to an end and I’m very much looking forward to a new chapter that starts next year. But before that one starts, I’ll try to close the chapter here with dignity and try to get myself back together so that I can deliver the sort of performances that I know that I can.”

Vettel has struggled considerably for form in 2020, having failed to out-qualify teammate Charles Leclerc since the Hungarian Grand Prix and only scoring one point in the last five events.

Despite his struggles this season, Vettel says he will continue to give it his all in the remaining six races.

"Obviously this year's car is not easy to drive for both of us," Vettel added. "I'm sitting in all of the meetings that Charles is participating in as well, and we share the opinion. For sure it's not always easy.

"But I think it's quite clear going into the season, knowing you're going to part ways, it's going to be a different sort of love story. Nevertheless, I respect all of the work that has been going in on my side, and in the last years and therefore I'm willing to give my maximum back.

"It's not been the easiest of years with where we are. The race as well, here and there, didn't really go our way. Sometimes it's like this, and myself, I have to push through and pull through, and look forward to the new tracks we have on one hand and the races that are coming up to try and put things together a little bit more."