F1 | Sebastian Vettel talks about his AMR22 expectations, as he defends Michael Masi's performances, saying "he’s done really well"
The German driver spoke prior to the official launch of the AMR22 and told the media about his objectives for this year, his opinion on the Silverstone team's new additions, and the polemics surrounding Michael Masi.
Today, the AMR22 was presented as the official Aston Martin 2022 challenger for the F1 year. Therefore, MotorLat was with Sebastian Vettel in a virtual event with selected media, as the German spoke on the upcoming season and how he prepares to face it as his second year with the British team.
“Everyone wants to win, me included, and no one would be in Formula One if their dream was not to win. I am no different. The main thing is to keep moving forward and moving up.”
The expectations and objectives for the team that finished 7th on the constructors' championship the latest F1 season are growing high, as elements such as Mike Krack and Dan Fallows join the crew to take Aston Martin to the top, and with that, the 34-year-old German driver, together with Lance Stroll.
“The truth is, the team is growing. You know, having a shuffle in management is always a bit of a shake-up and it would take time to overcome but hopefully we’ll manage to put together and despite growing inside, becoming ‘leaner’ or more efficient.”
“I think this year’s at the two tests we’ll see how good we are because last year we couldn’t focus on bringing any upgrades; it’s now all about this year’s regulations and cars.”
When asked by MotorLat about his expectations on what will be his 16th season in the pinnacle of motorsport and after being now almost two-and-a-half years since his last victory at the 2019 Singapore GP, Vettel was very clear about not rushing things and taking one step at a time before aiming high to set his personal intentions.
“From a driving point of view, I think the main challenge will be adapting to these cars. We got a different feeling already in the simulator but I think it will get different in real life. Then I think it depends on where we are, ideally, the challenge would be to fight for victories and a lot of podiums because we are so competitive, but at this point, I don’t have any expectations because right now you look at the car and you have no idea what is right and what is wrong,” he said.
“I think the goals depend on where we are but one of the main objectives is to show that we are working and we can, either have a very good car from the start or improve throughout the season. Or do both!”
The 4-time World Champion had the chance to speak his mind about the title decider that was the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP and the polemics surrounding Lewis Hamilton and Race Director Michael Masi, as rumors of his departure from the Race Management are still doing the rounds inside F1.
“I don’t know honestly whether Lewis was considering stop or not. You’d have to ask him!”
“From Michael [Masi] I think it’s been a pity because it’s two sorts of interests clashing, the sport and the other one, the show. From me, obviously, I don’t care so much about the show.”
“It’s easy sometimes to pretend to be in the shoes of the referee, or in Michael’s shoes, but I think he’s done a great job, especially after taking off after Charlie passed away, and so really been very focused and determined to do a good job. I don’t know either what’s his future but I hope he sticks around because I think he overall has done a very good job.”
“I think there’s a lot of controversy from the last race but, there shouldn’t be. If you look at the bigger picture, he’s done really well.”
To conclude and as per every year warming up the upcoming season, the German was asked about how he’ll name his 2022 challenger, as part of a tradition he’s done since his first formal F1 season in 2008.
“Not before I woke up today, but I´ve been asked so many times now that I’ve started thinking about a couple of names! You know I try to stay on my line and that’s that I don’t do it on my own but with the mechanics. Last year we came up with Honey Rider but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a Bond girl-name, but I’m sure we’ll come up with something.”
The #AMR22 has arrived. #WeClimbTogether pic.twitter.com/JR1mP42E7w
— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) February 10, 2022
“This is only year two of a five-year plan, so we are still quite near the start. But this team has big ambitions and big plans, and I am hugely excited to be a part of that."
".
