Sebastian Vettel does not expect Ferrari to favour him over team-mate Kimi Raikkonen, unless it becomes evident he is the only one remaining in contention for the title.
After his successful run with Red Bull came to an end, the German sought a new challenge by joining Maranello last winter. Since then, Vettel has rapidly established his credentials within the Italian squad, winning two races and securing an additional five podiums.
Asked by reporters whether Ferrari would be keen to give him priority over Raikkonen for the latest updates - like Red Bull sometimes did when Vettel partnered Mark Webber -, the four-time world champion replied:
“No this doesn’t really exist. If you make a new part, you do it two times at least, that’s the way it has to be.
“I think if you’re racing for the championship and at some point later in the season it is clear that only one car is racing for the championship, then it is clear what you have to do.
“But where we are now, if you look at also the gap [to Mercedes], the best thing we can do is to go racing, try to win and worry about ourselves and not look at others too much.”
Despite his recent non-scoring Belgian Grand Prix weekend, Vettel has hauled nearly double the amount of points Raikkonen has picked up so far. But the 28-year-old is adamant race circumstances have distorted the true picture, and is happy to keep partnering the Finn at Maranello in 2016.
“If you compare the results, he has had a rougher season so far that I have. But that is how it goes sometimes. In terms of performance I think it has been very, very close.
“And most importantly, I get along with him. Nothing has changed since we became team-mates. So I think that is positive, especially for the team not to worry about.”
Vettel currently occupies third position in the 2015 Drivers’ standings with 160 points, while Raikkonen is tied for fourth with Williams’ Felipe Massa on 82 points.
Click here for a lighter look at the Belgian Grand Prix, courtesy of F1i special contributor Eric Silbermann.
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