Vettel blasted by Italian media

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Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel is currently on the receiving end of the Italian press' ire following his first lap demise from last weekend's Malaysia Grand Prix.

Being a member of the Scuderia implies submitting oneself to the whims and digs of the powerful Italian press when results fall short of expectations, and crisis brews.

Vettel is just the last one in a long line of Maranello stalwarts finding themselves in the line of fire.

"The more Red Bull improves, the more unrecognisable Sebastian becomes," wrote the Corriere della Sera.

"It is clear now that Ferrari urgently needs a successful driver," mocked the paper.

La Repubblica followed suit, asking whether "Maranello sunk the highest paid driver in Ferrari history, or has Vettel lost his talent and speed?"

Italy's all-important Gazetto dello Sport was a tad more measured however, admitting that if Vettel was in crisis, "...it was also Ferrari's fault."

Typically, the negative buildup in the Italian press is followed by a few drastic measures by the reining powers at Maranello.

The questions begs however, exactly what changes could Ferrari CEO Sergio Marchionne have in mind?

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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.