Sebastian Vettel: Midfield racing ‘not what I’m really here for’

Racing in the midfield doesn’t feel the same for Sebastian Vettel, who says it isn’t what keeps him in Formula 1. Following a decade of regularly competing for podiums and wins, the German driver has rarely been able to do so since joining Aston Martin in 2021.

Sebastian Vettel

“The satisfaction when you cross the line just doesn’t feel the same. Once you’ve won a race and been on the podium and you’ve got this massive boost from the fans afterwards and, in a way, confirmation… Now you race and you get an eighth or 10th place and you feel you’ve done a really good race, no mistakes, but it’s 10th, it’s ninth, it’s eighth, it’s not really what I’m here for. Maybe I’m spoiled, I got used to winning and being at the front.

Lawrence is very serious and the team is on track. Everything that is happening is very, very promising. To set out a schedule is always difficult because everyone is setting out the same schedule – we all want to go back to winning ways, whether it’s McLaren, Alpine, there are two teams at the moment fighting each other at the front, you’ve got Ferrari.

I always believe there’s a race to win, otherwise I wouldn’t start anymore. But sure, if you look at the statistics, if you start 12th or eighth or 10th, then you’re not in pole position literally. I have no regrets and I think that’s the main thing.”

If all goes to plan, Vettel won’t be racing in the midfield for too much longer with Aston Martin aiming to compete for wins and titles within the next few seasons.