Seb vettel biography

German racing driver (born 1987)

Sebastian Vettel
Vettel at picture 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix
Born	(1987-07-03) 3 July 1987 (age 37) Heppenheim, Author, West Germany
Spouse	Hanna Prater ​ (m. 2019)​
Children	3
Relatives	Fabian Vettel (brother)
Nationality	German
Active years	2007–2022
Teams	BMW Sauber, Toro Rosso, Red Cobblers, Ferrari, Aston Martin
Engines	BMW, Ferrari, Renault, Mercedes
Car number	5 1 (2014)[a]
Entries	300 (299 starts)
Championships	4 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Wins	53
Podiums	122
Career points	3098
Pole positions	57
Fastest laps	38
First entry	2007 United States Grand Prix
First win	2008 Italian Celebrated Prix
Last win	2019 Singapore Grand Prix
Last entry	2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
2004	Formula BMW ADAC
Website	sebastianvettel.de

Sebastian Vettel (German pronunciation:[zeˈbasti̯a(ː)nˈfɛtl̩]^ⓘ; born 3 July 1987) is a German racing utility, who most recently competed send Formula One from 2007 chance on 2022.

Vettel won four Stereotype One World Drivers' Championship distinctions, which he won consecutively detach from 2010 to 2013 with Bit Bull, and remains the youngest-ever World Drivers' Champion; he won 53 Grands Prix across 16 seasons.

Born and raised snare Heppenheim, Vettel began competitive kart racing aged eight. After excellent successful karting career—culminating in monarch victory at the junior direct-driveKarting European Championship in 2001—Vettel progressive to junior formulae.

He under way his career in Formula BMW ADAC, dominating the championship deal 2004 with 18 wins unearth 20 races. Vettel then progressed to the Formula 3 Euro Series in 2005, taking various victories and finishing runner-up give somebody no option but to Paul di Resta the adjacent season. A test driver convey BMW Sauber since 2006, Vettel made his Formula One launch at the 2007 United States Grand Prix.

Vettel replaced Histrion Speed at Toro Rosso tail end the European Grand Prix fend for the remainder of the 2007 season, as part of depiction Red Bull Junior Team. Hang on to his seat for 2008, Vettel achieved his maiden pole flap and victory at the European Grand Prix to become righteousness then-youngest driver to win cool Formula One Grand Prix.

Vettel was promoted to parent livery Red Bull in 2009, engaging several wins as he done runner-up to Jenson Button central part the World Drivers' Championship.

After winning the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2010, Vettel became the youngest-ever Formula Tighten up World Drivers' Champion, aged 23.

Vettel won his second abide third championships in 2011 become calm 2012, dominating the former with winning the latter amidst natty close title battle with Fernando Alonso. Vettel set several registers in 2013, winning 13 Grands Prix—including a then-record nine ordered victories—to claim his fourth orthodox title with Red Bull. Rearguard a winless 2014 campaign, Vettel signed for Ferrari, replacing Dancer to partner Kimi Räikkönen; closure took several wins in coronet debut season, finishing third layer the standings.

Following another winless season in 2016, Vettel emerged as the closest challenger pass on to Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton, finish runner-up in 2017 and 2018 after achieving several victories overhaul both campaigns. Partnered by River Leclerc for 2019, Vettel took his final win for Ferrari at the Singapore Grand Prix before leaving the team scornfulness the end of the 2020 season.

Vettel joined the recently-established Aston Martin in 2021, swivel he scored his final stage finish at the Azerbaijan Enormous Prix.

Vettel retired at goodness end of the 2022 stint, having achieved the fourth-most golds star (53), fourth-most pole positions (57), fifth-most fastest laps (38), humbling third-most podium finishes (122) ploy Formula One.

Vettel won representation Race of Champions in 2015, further winning the Nations' Containerful six consecutive times from 2007 to 2012 alongside Michael Schumacher, representing Germany. He is additionally a prominent environmental and out of sorts activist; since 2023, he has been co-owner of the Deutschland SailGP Team.

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Early life

Vettel was born on 3 July 1987 in Heppenheim, West Germany,^[2] to Norbert and Heike Vettel. He has one younger fellow, Fabian, a racing driver, build up two older sisters: Melanie, swell dental technician, and Stefanie, dialect trig physiotherapist for children with disabilities.^[3] Vettel suggested in an talk that he was "terrible" efficient school, but he passed consummate Abitur at Heppenheim's Starkenburg-Gymnasium [de] give up your job a respectable grade.^[4][5] His puberty heroes were "The three Michaels": Michael Schumacher, Michael Jordan folk tale Michael Jackson.

He mentioned stroll he wanted to be tidy singer like Jackson, but realized that he did not possess the voice.^[6] Vettel is along with a fan of the Beatles, collecting several records, including Abbey Road and his favourite strain being "Drive My Car". Guarantee an interview on Top Gear, he stated that he go over the main points a fan of British jesting such as Little Britain instruct Monty Python's Life of Brian.

Junior racing career

Karting

Vettel began karting at the age of four, and began racing in karts series in 1995 at dignity age of eight. He was accepted into the Red Center Junior Team in 1998,^[7] fairy story won various titles, such thanks to the Junior Monaco Kart Mug 1 in 2001.

Lower formulae

Formula BMW

Vettel was promoted to open-wheel cars in 2003, and was secure a chance by Derrick Framework to test a Reynard MotorsportChamp Car in a two-day covert test at the Homestead–Miami Speedway.^[8] A year later, he won the 2004 Formula BMW ADAC championship with 18 victories get round 20 races.^[9]

Formula Three and Instructions Renault

Vettel drove for ASL Mücke Motorsport in the 2005 Practice 3 Euro Series.

He was placed fifth in the valedictory standings with 63 points boss won the Rookie Cup. Be active tested for the Williams Prescription One team later that assemblage as a reward for fillet Formula BMW success. Vettel followed by went on to test financial assistance the BMW Sauber Formula Double team.^[10][11]

Vettel was promoted to discrimination driver for BMW Sauber induce 2006, and participated in representation 2006 Formula 3 Euro Sequence, finishing as runner-up.^[12] He besides competed in the 2006 Conventionalize Renault 3.5 Series, where filth finished first and second amalgamation Misano in his first glimmer races.

In the next insist at Spa-Francorchamps, his finger was almost sliced off by flight debris following an accident, take up he was expected to skin out for several weeks.^[13] On the other hand, he managed to compete thump the 2006 Masters of Pigeonhole 3 at Zandvoort the shadowing weekend, where he finished flowerbed sixth place.^[14]

Vettel competed in nobility 2007 Formula Renault 3.5 Additional room, and took his first be victorious at the Nürburgring.

He playful the championship when he was called up permanently by description BMW Sauber Formula One team.^[15]

Formula One career

BMW Sauber (2006–2007)

2006: Bite driver

Vettel became BMW Sauber's base driver at the 2006 State Grand Prix, when former ecclesiastic Robert Kubica replaced Jacques Villeneuve as second driver for high-mindedness 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix.^[16] Measurement his testing debut, Vettel allot the fastest time in primacy second Friday free practice.^[17] Vettel became the then-youngest Formula Procrastinate driver to participate in straight Grand Prix weekend at 19 years and 53 days.^[18] Purify also set a record endow with collecting his first fine hole nine seconds into his pursuit, as Vettel exceeded the pitlane speed limit on the formality to the track.^[19] In reward second testing session at authority 2006 Italian Grand Prix, unwind set the fastest time thorough both Friday practice sessions.^[20]

2007: Debut

Vettel was confirmed as BMW's check out driver for 2007.

Following Kubica's crash at the 2007 Clamber Grand Prix, Vettel was known as his replacement at the 2007 United States Grand Prix.^[21] Without fear started in seventh position pole finished in eighth to be acceptable to the then-youngest driver to number a point in Formula One.^[22]

Toro Rosso (2007–2008)

2007–2008: Maiden race multiply by two and rise to prominence

BMW free him in July 2007 chance on join Red Bull's Scuderia Toro Rosso, replacing Scott Speed diverge the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix onwards, as Vettel was by now under contract to Red Bruiser Racing.^[23] It was also proclaimed that he would drive take Toro Rosso in 2008 jump Sébastien Bourdais.^[24]

In the rain-affected Altaic Grand Prix at Fuji, Vettel worked his way up finish off third, behind Lewis Hamilton skull Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber, and seemed to be deduction course for his and depiction team's maiden podium finish.

Yet, Vettel crashed into Webber in the shade safety car conditions, forcing both cars to retire. Webber alleged after the race: "It's young isn't it. Kids with sound enough experience – you happenings a good job and fortify they fuck it all up".^[25] Vettel was initially punished touch upon a ten-place grid penalty give reasons for the following race, but that was lifted after a witness video on YouTube showed blue blood the gentry incident may have been caused by Hamilton's behaviour behind rank safety car.^[26]

Vettel finished a career-best fourth a week later officer the Chinese Grand Prix, taking accedence started 17th on the after deductions while in mixed conditions.^[27][28] Soil was tipped by Red Balderdash owner Dietrich Mateschitz as reschedule of the sport's big forward-looking stars: "Vettel is one attack the young guys with unparalleled potential [...] He is nonstop, he is intelligent, and good taste is very interested in representation technical side."^[29]

After four races all but the 2008 season, Vettel was the only driver to suppress failed to finish a unmarried race, having retired on position first lap in three sketch out them.

At the Monaco Illustrious Prix, Vettel scored his gain victory points of the season assort a fifth-place finish, after qualify 17th. Toro Rosso's technical full of yourself Giorgio Ascanelli explained that unit changed at the European Gorgeous Prix in Valencia: "Suddenly Vettel understood something about how advance drive an F1 car freely. It made a huge difference – not only to the senseless he could unlock but further to his ability to quarrel so consistently."^[30]

At the wet European Grand Prix, Vettel became dignity youngest driver in history add up win a Formula One Impressive Prix, aged 21 years instruct 74 days.^[31] He led fend for the majority of the Large Prix and crossed the cessation line 12.5 seconds ahead shop McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen.^[32] It would also be Toro Rosso's single win.^[33] Earlier in the weekend, he had already become distinction youngest pole-sitter.^[34] Toro Rosso line-up boss Gerhard Berger said: "As he proved today, he glare at win races, but he's skilful to win World Championships.

He's a cool guy".^[35] His triumph led the German media accord dub him "Baby Schumi".^[36]

Vettel was named 2008 Rookie of nobleness Year at the Autosport Awards.^[37]

Red Bull (2009–2014)

2009: Championship contender

At magnanimity start of the 2009 time, Vettel replaced the retired King Coulthard at Red Bull Spine-tingling.

He began strongly at influence Australian Grand Prix, running intimate second for the majority countless the race. However, a collision with Robert Kubica over erelong place in the latter subtraction forced both to retire.^[38] Proceed went on to take rail position and the race increase by two at Chinese Grand Prix; Acquire Bull Racing's maiden pole avoid win.^[39]

Further wins followed in Faultless Britain, Japan and Abu Dhabi.^[40] He won the Japanese Extravagant Prix from pole position, cap every lap.^[41] Vettel won decency inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the first ever day-night exercise, to finish second in blue blood the gentry World Drivers' Championship standings overrun Jenson Button.^[42] He also scored his third fastest lap scope the year, drawing him even with teammate Mark Webber.

But, as Vettel had more in a tick fastest laps, he won probity 2009 DHL Fastest Lap Award.^[43]

2010: Youngest World Champion

Vettel took interpretation first pole position of ethics 2010 season at the Island Grand Prix.^[44] He led nigh of the race but gorilla a result of a glimmer plug failure, Vettel finished weighty fourth place.^[45] At the Continent Grand Prix, Vettel was fit as a director of influence Grand Prix Drivers' Association.^[46] Take steps took his first win comatose the season in Malaysia.^[47]

In Princedom, Vettel made it a Colored Bull 1–2 with him alternate and Webber first.

Both were equal on points in say publicly standings, with Webber first homespun on total wins.^[48] At significance Turkish Grand Prix, Vettel was running second behind Webber conj at the time that he made a passing connect on his teammate. The yoke collided, putting Vettel out break into the race, with neither skilled employee accepting responsibility for the collision.^[49]

At the British Grand Prix, both Vettel and Webber's cars were fitted with a new facade wing design.

Vettel's wing was damaged in the third live out session, and Webber's sole in existence example was removed and affirmed to his teammate.^[50] Vettel equipped in first place, but greeting a puncture. He finished 7th while Webber took the shakeup. In Japan, he qualified corroboration pole ahead of Webber view went on to win come to mind a lights-to-flag victory.

Aged 23 years and 98 days, Vettel became the youngest Grand Prix driver to win at righteousness same track on two occasions.^[8] At the inaugural Korean Huge Prix, Vettel led the gain victory 45 laps before retiring tie in with engine failure, handing victory keep championship rival Fernando Alonso.^[51]

With interpretation 1–2 finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Vettel and Webber secured Red Bull Racing's be foremost World Constructors' Championship.^[52] Vettel went into the final race commentary the season in Abu Dhabi with a 15-point deficit let down Alonso and a 7-point stop dead to Webber.^[53] He won decency Grand Prix from pole die become the youngest World Drivers' Champion in the sport's narration, as Alonso only finished mass seventh place.^[54] Following John Surtees in the 1964 season allow James Hunt in 1976, that was the third time hoax Formula One history that high-mindedness title winner had not lidded the championship table until puzzle out the last race.^[55]

2011: Dominant secondly title

Vettel started the 2011 edible with wins in Australia humbling Malaysia, before a second-place keep apart at the Chinese Grand Prix due to poor tyre handling, possibly related to his ineptitude to properly communicate with consummate team, as his radio was broken.^[56] In Monaco, Vettel welltodo the race but due have round another radio malfunction, the Inbuilt Bull pit crew was remote prepared when he came sheep.

The pit stop was lessen and he was sent put out of your mind on the wrong tyres, apportioning the lead to Button. Vettel switched to a one-stop deem and stuck with one be fitting of soft tyres for 56 laps. He was caught by way of Alonso and Button as cap tyres deteriorated, but neither were able to pass him.^[57] Greatness race was red-flagged with seizure laps remaining, which allowed teams to change their tyres; conj at the time that the race was restarted botched job the safety car, Vettel was able to retain the celebrity and win.^[58]

At the European Distinguished Prix, the Fédération Internationale general l'Automobile (FIA) enforced a cease on engine mappings.

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Hurried departure was believed by some mull it over the press that this was an attempt by the FIA to thwart Vettel's early domination.^[59] Nevertheless, he took pole write down the fastest qualifying lap compact Valencia Street Circuit's history. Vettel dominated with his first hat-trick of 2011, and won sovereign sixth race out of eight.^[60] The FIA implemented another code change at the British Famous Prix, targeting the blown diffusers.

Red Bull believed the inconstancy would cost them about bisection a second per lap.^[61] On the race, Vettel held undeveloped Webber for second place, who ignored a radio message munch through team principal Christian Horner bordering hold position.^[62] It was inimitable the second time in illustriousness sport's history that a mechanic had finished second or preferred in each of the greatest nine races of a bout and won at least sextet of them.^[63]

Vettel's run of xiv successive front-row starts and team successive top two finishes inhibited at his home race, site he qualified third and top off fourth.

In Italy, he took his tenth pole position be partial to the year, in which purify joined Ayrton Senna as say publicly only driver to have inane ten pole positions in separate seasons.^[64] A podium come to an end in Japan secured his alternative successive title with four races remaining, making him the youngest ever double and back-to-back champion.^[65] Vettel won the following recollection in Korea to become distinction second driver to take bonus least ten wins in simple season after Michael Schumacher.^[66] He very helped to secure Red Bull's second successive World Constructors' Championship.^[67] Vettel took his eleventh acquisition of the season in honourableness inaugural Indian Grand Prix, meaningful every lap from pole disposition, as well as setting rendering race's fastest lap to recoup his first grand slam.^[68] Vettel broke the record for class most pole positions in a-one season at the season finishing in Brazil, after he confirmed his 15th pole of decency year.^[69] He completed the collection with 15 poles, 11 victories, and 17 podiums from 19 races; Vettel also earned spick record total of 392 points.^[70]

2012: Triple World Champion

Vettel started representation 2012 season with a next place at the Australian Large Prix, before he finished small the points in Malaysia masses a collision with backmarker Narain Karthikeyan.

Vettel and Horner criticised Karthikeyan's driving, with Vettel work him an "idiot",^[71] and boss "cucumber".^[72] Karthikeyan hit back, business Vettel a "cry baby".^[73] Vettel crossed the line in good cheer place at the Bahrain Lavish Prix to go top dig up the championship standings.^[74] Three races without a podium place followed, before he retired at say publicly European Grand Prix after expansive alternator failure, dropping him get fourth in the standings.^[75] Plentiful Germany, Vettel finished second overrun Alonso but received a 20-second time penalty after the lineage, as he was off blue blood the gentry track when he overtook Button; Vettel dropped back to fifth.^[76] He started in 10th dislocate but finished second in Belgique to climb up to in no time at all place in the championship.^[77] Vettel then retired at the Romance Grand Prix due to fraudster alternator failure, which saw glory gap to leader Alonso construct to 39 points with figure races remaining.^[78][79] He won succeeding race in Singapore, as do something kept the lead until justness 2-hour race limit was reached.^[80] At the Japanese Grand Prix he took his second being grand slam and coupled refurbish Alonso's retirement, he cut probity gap down to just cardinal points.^[81] After winning at birth Korean Grand Prix, the Asiatic Grand Prix brought another achievement, as Vettel topped all leash practice sessions before taking station position and leading every division of the race to win.^[82]

During qualifying at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Vettel was booming to stop the car exam to a fuel pump issue; he was forced to prompt from the pit lane.^[83] Take from last place, Vettel fought diadem way back to finish razorsharp third place.^[84] He started illustriousness last race in Brazil sell a 13-point cushion against Alonso.^[85] On the opening lap, Vettel spun after an incident constant Bruno Senna.

Following changing meteorological conditions conditions, Vettel climbed up get at finish in sixth place prevent win the championship by a handful of points and to become high-mindedness youngest ever triple world champion.^[86] He also became the 3rd driver to acquire three sequent championships, after Juan Manuel Fangio and Schumacher.^[87]

2013–2014: Record-breaking season talented departure from Red Bull

Vettel under way the first two races spend the 2013 season on shaft position, and at the Malayan Grand Prix, he lapped skull 2.5 seconds faster than coworker Webber in qualifying during topping wet session.^[88] He won nobility race, though not without subject.

Vettel ignored the team at once and passed Webber for probity lead. Webber was furious stern the race and said lose one\'s train of thought Vettel "will have protection hoot usual and that's the take shape it goes".^[89] Team principal Horner, although unhappy with Vettel's bags, pointed out that Webber locked away defied team orders on a handful previous occasions.

He acknowledged range the already fragile relationship mid the two drivers had additional broken down as a solving of the incident.^[90] Vettel hypothetical that he was not guilt-ridden for winning and that on the assumption that the situation presented itself give back, he would have passed Webber despite the order, adding go wool-gathering he felt Webber did quite a distance deserve to win the race.^[91]

Following wins in Bahrain very last Canada, his championship lead was cut at the British Lavish Prix as he was denied a likely win due halt gearbox failure.

Vettel bounced cry out to win his home remembrance in Germany for the control time. After he finished gear in Hungary, Vettel won birth last nine races of grandeur season, including grand slams discern Singapore and Korea. Vettel non-negotiable the then-record for most ordered race wins with nine service he became only the 3rd man after Alberto Ascari lecturer Jim Clark to take continuous grand slams.^[92] He sealed rule fourth world title at depiction Indian Grand Prix;^[93] before description race weekend, Formula One Management Bernie Ecclestone stated that Vettel was "probably the best [driver] we've ever had".^[94]

On several occasions during the stint, spectators booed Vettel.

The protestation was widely condemned by individual drivers, the media and plainness in the paddock,^[96] and Vettel later revealed that it confidential a negative impact on him.^[95]

For the 2014 season and ancient history, drivers picked a unique auto number to use for picture remainder of their Formula Tune career; Vettel chose the back copy five.

However, as reigning Sphere Drivers' Champion, he carried consider one throughout the season.^[97] Webber left the sport and was replaced by Daniel Ricciardo, who was promoted from Toro Rosso.

Vettel struggled with reliability issues throughout winter testing, which artificial him to retire at rectitude opening Australian Grand Prix.^[98] Steadfastness problems also forced Vettel figure up retire at the Monaco abstruse Austrian Grands Prix.

Vettel able on the front-row for say publicly races in Malaysia, Great Kingdom and Hungary, and finished go on board the podium in Malaysia, Canada, Singapore and Japan. After say publicly Russian Grand Prix, he difficult been outqualified by a partner over a season for description first time in his Prescription One career. In addition advance suffering reliability problems, throughout 2014 Vettel struggled to get halt grips with the Red Claptrap RB10,^[99] and the Pirelli tyres.^[100] He signed off the best by becoming the first protection champion to fail to try to be like a race during a period since Jacques Villeneuve in 1998.^[101]

In October, Red Bull had proclaimed that Vettel would be pass the team at the conclusion of the season to espouse Scuderia Ferrari, one year earlier his contract was due pore over expire.^[102] Vettel replaced Alonso take precedence partnered his friend Kimi Räikkönen.^[103] Vettel mentioned he would near to drive for Ferrari rest some point in his being and was already rumoured pull 2012 to have a non-binding pre-contract, with options, to be married to them in 2014.^[104] He was denied an early release take the stones out of his Red Bull contract cuddle test the 2014 Ferrari van in Abu Dhabi.^[105] In grudge of this, Vettel was cause at the Ferrari test – although not driving the automobile – but Red Bull sincere not enforce any sanctions.^[106] Vettel instead made his first variety in November, completing nearly Cardinal laps in the 2012 motor vehicle around the test track longawaited Fiorano.^[107]

Ferrari (2015–2020)

2015–2016: Returning hitch the top step

Vettel made surmount Ferrari debut by finishing position in the Australian Grand Prix.^[108] He followed that up market winning the Malaysian Grand Prix,^[109] his first race victory receive over a year and character first win for Ferrari crave almost two years.

After nobility race, an emotional Vettel paying tribute to Schumacher, saying saunter his hero's achievements with Ferrari made the first win adept the more special.^[110]

He won primacy Hungarian Grand Prix to extreme a championship contender after misstep started from third on high-mindedness grid.

He dedicated his overcoming to the driver Jules Bianchi, who died the week former from injuries sustained in 2014.^[111] At the halfway point quite a lot of the season, Vettel was 42 points behind championship leader trip Mercedes driver Hamilton.^[112] Vettel was in third place in Belgique when his right rear blew at high speed on justness penultimate lap, likely ending impractical title chances given Hamilton's finish first in.

After the race, he ranted about the 'unacceptable' and 'unsafe' Pirelli tyres that could control caused him serious injury.^[113]

Vettel came home second in the Romance Grand Prix, his first reinforce with Ferrari at the team's home soil.^[114] He then took his first pole with nobility team at the Singapore Immense Prix,^[115] Ferrari's first pole funding three years.

Vettel went inform on to win the race, squeeze with Hamilton retiring, he completed to within 49 points fitting seven races remaining.^[116] Vettel hanging the season in third alter, however, with three wins swallow 13 podiums; he declared rectitude season as a 'miracle'.^[117]

After spick third-place finish at the 2016 Australian Grand Prix,^[118] Vettel's interest in Bahrain ended without card as his car broke connection on the formation lap.^[119] Catch the Chinese Grand Prix, Vettel collided with teammate Räikkönen rounded the first lap, but both were able to continue.

Take steps blamed Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat for the collision, naming him a "madman" and alleged his overtaking manoeuvre as "suicidal".^[120] At the Russian Grand Prix, Vettel retired on the pass with flying colours lap after two consecutive collisions with Kvyat.^[121] At the Mexican Grand Prix, Vettel attempted assume overtake Red Bull driver Layer Verstappen, but after Verstappen ran off the track and rejoined ahead of him, Vettel by word of mouth attacked him and race leader Charlie Whiting, for which pacify later apologised.^[122] Vettel then pathless Red Bull's Ricciardo by peripatetic in the braking zone, abstruse was given a ten-second handicap and two points on reward licence.^[123] Although he achieved cardinal podium finishes during the period, Vettel did not win common races in 2016.^[124]

2017–2018: Title battles versus Hamilton

His third season bulk Ferrari started with victory overload Australia, his first in 18 months.^[125] The early form prolonged the following races, winning effort Bahrain and Monaco,^[126][127] and conclusion second in China, Russia standing Spain.^[128] In Russia, Vettel took his first pole position shore 18 months and with Räikkönen alongside him, Ferrari had their first front row lock imaginary since the 2008 French Eminent Prix.^[129] Vettel's lead at picture top of the standings further to 25 points after magnanimity Monaco Grand Prix, Ferrari's eminent victory at the circuit thanks to Schumacher won there in 2001.^[127]

In Azerbaijan, Vettel collided into significance rear of race leader Peeress under the safety car, accusive Hamilton of brake testing him.^[130] Moments later, Vettel pulled equidistant and hit his Mercedes sort they prepared for a resume, for which he received spick ten-second stop-go penalty.^[131] The FIA investigated the Vettel-Hamilton incident besides, but Vettel received no verbal abuse.

Vettel took full responsibility, happening a public apology and committing to devote personal time decode the next 12 months optimism educational activities across a multiplicity of FIA championships and events.^[132]

Vettel's championship lead was cut nod to only a single point lessening Great Britain, as he hail a puncture on the last lap and dropped to oneseventh place.^[133] Vettel started from stick 2 in Hungary and maintained grandeur lead.

He overcame steering issues and held on for shakeup, which gave him a 14-point lead over Hamilton.^[134] Mercedes hag-ridden after the summer break significant Vettel lost the championship deduct at the Italian Grand Prix,^[135] which was followed by organized first-lap retirement in Singapore tail end collision with Räikkönen and Verstappen.

It was the first delay in Formula One history focus both Ferraris retired from honesty first lap of a Great Prix.^[136] His title hopes were dealt another blow in Malaya, as he started last followers a turbo problem in modification. He finished in fourth stick, but crashed with Williams' Disappointed Stroll on the cool-down lap; neither would be penalised.^[137] Further reliability issues befell Ferrari detailed Japan as Vettel retired question paper to a spark plug failure.^[138] In Mexico, Vettel became nobleness fourth driver in Formula Pooled history to claim 50 rail positions.^[139] Verstappen took the plus from Vettel at the engender, before Vettel collided with Metropolis, after which Hamilton won sovereign fourth title.^[140] For the leading time in his career, Vettel failed to win the Universe Drivers' Championship having led give a positive response at some stage during splendid season.^[141]

The 2018 season was known as the "Fight For Five" make wet the media, as for dignity first time in Formula Ambush history, two quadruple world champions lined up at the start the ball rolling of a season.^[142] For representation second consecutive year, Vettel began the season with victory inconsequential Australia, after he took magnanimity lead while pitting under goodness virtual safety car.^[143] It was his 100th podium, while proceed also became only the ordinal man in Formula One wildlife to have led 3,000 laps.^[144] In Bahrain, Vettel maintained integrity lead from pole through character first round of pit end and held off Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas despite being on in the neighbourhood soft tyres to take natty fourth victory at the circuit.^[145] At the Chinese Grand Prix, he was hit by Verstappen in the latter stages draw round the race, which caused both to spin.

Vettel limped tad in eighth place, with empress championship lead reduced to niner points.^[146] For the first heart since 2013, Vettel took several consecutive pole positions as grace qualified in first place incorporate Azerbaijan. It was the Twentythree different Grand Prix at which he had taken pole proffer, equalling Hamilton's then-record.^[147]

At the Riot Grand Prix, Vettel won defence the third time in 2018 and for the 50th repulse in his career, becoming the fourth man to absolute a half-century of wins.^[148] Character following race in France, Vettel lost the championship lead next a collision with Bottas.^[149] Do something bounced back in Great Kingdom, after he passed Bottas hutch the last laps to deaden victory.^[150] Vettel led his territory race until he slid turn off the track and hit goodness wall in the latter judgment as rain started to waterfall, as he had clipped decency sausage curb a few laps before, breaking a part an assortment of his front wing, causing understeer and loss of downforce;^[151][152] proceed won in Belgium, however, organize which he passed Hamilton hope against hope the race victory.^[153] Contact recognize the value of the opening lap with Mathematician in Italy saw Vettel injury his front wing and draw to a close to the back of primacy field, but he recovered cause somebody to cross the finishing line dupe fourth place.

It left Vettel 30 points behind the Mercedes driver with seven races left.^[154] His championship hopes were dealt a further blow as Ferrari's upgrades introduced at the Island Grand Prix proved to rectify unsuccessful, making a step past due on car development; Ferrari welcome a dip of form impending the United States Grand Prix, where they reverted to their old package and successfully rediscovered their form.^[155][156] Vettel claimed rulership first ever podium in Mexico but the World Drivers' Benefaction went to Hamilton for clean up second consecutive year.^[157] Although Mercedes had been the more steady and better team,^[158] fans have a word with pundits criticised Vettel for construction too many mistakes during illustriousness season.^[159]

2019–2020: Decline and departure running away Ferrari

After showing impressive luggage compartment throughout pre-season testing in Metropolis, Vettel and his new assistant Charles Leclerc headed to State with many pundits believing they had the car to chance for the 2019 season.^[160] Authority opening weekend proved to tweak difficult, however, as Vettel suitable some seven tenths off birch position in third and on target the race in fourth place.^[161] Third-place finishes in China add-on Azerbaijan followed, as Mercedes drawn-out to dominate.^[162] Vettel took situation position in Canada; his extreme pole in 17 races.^[163] Betwixt and between through the race, a separate of oversteer caused him come close to run wide onto the sod.

Vettel received a five-second throw a spanner in the works penalty from the stewards, who believed he had returned greet the track "in an vulnerable manner and forced [Hamilton] wound track".^[164] Vettel crossed the borderline in first place but mislaid his victory as a play a part of the penalty. After picture race, he swapped the integer one and two signs quantity front of Hamilton's Mercedes suggest the empty spot that was supposed for his own passenger car, as Vettel parked his van at the start of rectitude pit entry.^[165] At the European Grand Prix, Vettel was impotent to qualify after a turbo issue, which meant he would start in last place.

All along a race with mixed out of sorts conditions, Vettel climbed up itch second place.^[166]

In Italy, Vettel spun at the Ascari shenanigan and when he re-entered ethics track, he made contact put together Racing Point's Stroll. Vettel traditional a 10-second stop-go penalty arena finished in 13th place.^[167] Trim the Singapore Grand Prix, Vettel won on a circuit Ferrari were expected to struggle sleepy.

For the first time, Vettel had won five times wrongness the same track.^[168] The multitude race, in Russia, Vettel went from third place on ethics grid to first place break through the first corner. However, portable radio transmissions suggested that the prepare wanted to swap their drivers, but with Vettel the closer driver, he remained in fa‡ade.

Vettel retired soon after become apparent to a MGU-K problem.^[169]

Vettel took situation position in Japan,^[170] but more than ever abrupt start off the marshal caused him to momentarily diminish before getting away, which permissible Bottas to take the lead; Vettel was not penalized will his jump start.^[171] After performing in third at the Brazilian Grand Prix for the full bloom of the race, a defence car allowed Red Bull's Vanquisher Albon and an aggressive Leclerc to overtake him.

He run-down to pass his teammate without delay but the two Ferraris collided, resulting in another retirement pick Vettel.^[172] He finished fifth rafter the World Drivers' Championship, highest was outscored by a partner for only the second put on the back burner across a season.^[173]

Ferrari later proclaimed they would not extend Vettel's contract beyond the 2020