Vettel: Ferrari must improve in ‘a lot of areas’

Sebastian Vettel says Ferrari will need across-the-board improvements if its wants to challenge Mercedes in 2016.

The Scuderia managed to bounce back from a lacklustre 2014 campaign to emerge as the world champions’ new nearest rivals, riding on the back of a rejuvenated Vettel.

Joining from Red Bull, the German immediately embraced a leadership role at Maranello and picked up three wins en route to third in the Drivers’ championship.

While Vettel is confident Ferrari can step up to the next level, the 28-year-old remains equally aware of the challenge they are presented with.

“We want to be competitive next year against Mercedes, so I won’t go into details and tell our secrets,” Vettel said. “The fact is that we have to improve in a lot of areas, aero, engine etc. but I think the results of this season have shown that we are on the right path, so now we just have to focus on ourselves.”

The 2015 season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix does not really feel like a distant memory, yet soon the next campaign will be around the corner. While other drivers don’t seem to take their foot off the gas during the Holiday Season, Vettel looks to enjoy some quiet time with his relatives after another busy year in F1’s fast-paced environment.

“The winter break is short, and being in hotels most of the time I will just enjoy some time at home, where I can relax, and spend time with my family and friends.

“I think we already have a test in January for tyres – a wet test in Paul Ricard is on the schedule. I think with more and more years in Formula 1 somehow the winter seems to get shorter and shorter.

“Hopefully we will have some nice days and I get to enjoy that. No big exciting plans. I am sorry you need to maybe go to some other garage, maybe the plans there sound more exciting... But I am quite happy with my boring plans.”

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