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Hill says Vettel doesn't look 'motivated and confident'

Damon Hill believes Aston Martin recruit Sebastian Vettel has yet to regain his motivation and confidence after they were seriously undermined at Ferrari last season.

Vettel was excluded from the Scuderia's 2021 plans as early as May of last year, the German enduring a dismal final campaign with the Italian outfit during which he was no match for teammate Charles Leclerc.

Although many believed the four-time world champion would take a sabbatical to ponder his future or regroup before jumping back into the fray, Vettel joined Lawrence Stroll's Aston Martin team which the Canadian billionaire aims to push to the front of the grid in the future.

Hill believes Vettel can turn around his fortunes and become once again a force to be reckoned with in F1, if he regains the energy and confidence that were lost last season at the Scuderia.

"I think Vettel was destabilised at Ferrari. I think there were political aspects that undermined his confidence and that ended up affecting his driving," the 1996 F1 world champion told Sky Sports F1.

"He missed opportunities, it’s true, but there were also great performances. I think Sebastian can still say a lot and if he sees a chance to be competitive for the win or the podium, he will give his best."

Vettel's pre-season preparations left himself and his team short on mileage due to technical issues, while the 33-year-old also admitted that he was facing "a big learning curve" in the short term.

"I hope he has had a chance to regain his self-confidence," added Hill.

"Sometimes I look at him and I think he doesn’t look motivated and confident, and that’s a bit worrying."

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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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