Vettel denies tensions are brewing at Ferrari amid poor results

Sebastian Vettel denied that tensions were growing at Ferrari on the back of the German driver's performance shortfall with the Scuderia.

Vettel was nowhere near the same level of performance as teammate Charles Leclerc in the two consecutive races held at Silverstone.

The four-time world champion admitted lacking confidence in his SF1000 at the Northamptonshire track, but a mistake in last weekend's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix coupled with an unproductive strategy call by his team left Vettel out of the points and questioning his car's behaviour.

Furthermore, the German called out his team on the radio when he was brought in for a tyre change and sent back out in traffic. Vettel radioed in to tell the Ferrari pitwall that it had "messed up".

Vettel gets new SF1000 chassis for Spanish GP

Asked on Thursday in Barcelona if tensions were on the rise at Ferrari, Vettel denied that was the case.

"No, I don't agree with the statement," he said.

"I think we are trying to do everything we can, and it is never relaxed if things don't go your way or they go wrong.

"Naturally, if you judge the emotions right after the race or during the race, I don't think that is a fair reflection of what is going on, hence why I tend to disagree.

"I didn't have a great race and we tried to come back up, and could have opted for a different strategy, but we didn't, so we've talked about it, sorted it out and moved on.

"There is not much different in terms of climate compared to the week before, or the week before that."

As pundits place their bets on whether Vettel will see out the season with the Scuderia or not, the 33-year-old doubted such a scenario would come to pass.

"I don't think so… We haven't even considered or spoken about it," Vettel said

"I guess it's not just a question for myself. But I know what I'm capable of, I know the job that I can do.

"At the moment, it's not been the cleanest run, but yeah, I'm sure [if] things calm down, and I get a decent chance, then I'll use it."

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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.