Vettel regrets lack of camaraderie amongst F1 drivers

Sebastian Vettel regrets that the intense rivalry amongst modern day Formula 1 drivers prevents strong friendships to develop within the sport.

The four-time World Champion compared past generations of drivers with his own present lineage, underlining how great friendships and humanity were an important part of the sport decades ago despite fierce rivalry.

The German believes a lack of time and prevailing self-interest are a deterrent to developing any meaningful relationships amongst his peers, calling the situation "sad".

"There is not much time for the drivers to hang out, everyone puts their own interest before everything else. It is sad," Vettel said.

"It is different times today than it was 30 or 40 years ago, when you had a lot of things happening which naturally puts the group together. Now everyone has their own life much more, looking at how busy we are at the track."

In an era dominated by the politically correct, and agendas set by sponsors, drivers are not awarded much free movement over a Grand Prix weekend. Several drivers appear to enjoy a strong camaraderie however, with Vettel himself often spending time with team mate Kimi Raikkonen away from the race track.

Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber were also close when the Australian was active in F1, while Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were childhood friends who grew up karting together, although their present day relationship is obviously strained on the backdrop of their intense competition at Mercedes.

"In the end we share a common passion, even if it is normal some of the guys you don't like," Vettel concluded. "It is like a school class – there are some guys you like and some you don't like, but it doesn't mean you can’t hang out."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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