Sebastian Vettel should stay in Formula One, but stop talking "nonsense" in the paddock when he is not driving the car.
Sebastian Vettel should stay in Formula One, but stop talking "nonsense" in the paddock when he is not driving the car.
That is the opinion of Hans-Joachim Stuck, while the four-time world champion has not yet renewed his contract with Aston Martin for 2023.
"He is capable of driving a car and he belongs in F1, there is no discussion about that," Stuck stated. "And when he's in the car, he can't talk either."
Indeed, Vettel has come under increasing criticism for his outspokenness and activism on social, cultural and environmental issues.
"He still drives well, but on the other hand he just talks nonsense," Stuck added. "He is completely wrong in his statements, he should step up and be quiet."
"I don't know what he is doing because he is an intelligent young man, a good driver, but I don't understand why he insists on these topics."
Stuck also criticized Ferrari for the various strategic mistakes in 2022, which he said could end the Scuderia's title chances.
"I wonder how long Mattia Binotto will last at Ferrari," he told . "After all, he is the leader and should be responsible for decisions. On the other hand, there have always been periods at Ferrari when mistakes like this were made."
"I am happy for Carlos Sainz and his first victory, but poor Charles Leclerc must be getting angry about it by now. However, that's the way Ferrari is. There is still plenty of time for them to work on it. They still have what it takes to win the title."