Sebastian Vettel Says Michael Schumacher's Self-Doubt Inspired His Aston Martin Move

Sebastian Vettel has revealed his move to Aston Martin was driven by a need to answer a personal question: "Can I still do this?" This quest was sparked by a surprising admission from his idol, Michael Schumacher, who confided that he too battled self-doubt, a moment that helped Vettel reframe his own insecurities at the end of his Ferrari tenure.

Why it matters:

Vettel's candidness offers a rare glimpse into the psychological pressures faced by drivers at the highest level of motorsport. It challenges the perception of invincibility surrounding champions like Schumacher and highlights that even the most successful athletes grapple with uncertainty, making his decision to continue with Aston Martin a story of personal validation over pure results.

The details:

• The Core Question: Vettel stated he sought "confirmation" that he could still compete after feeling "burnt out" at Ferrari. He explained this feeling of uncertainty is one that "every driver in the field" experiences, regardless of their success.
• Schumacher's Influence: He recounted conversations with Michael Schumacher where the seven-time world champion admitted to having the same doubts. "For me, that was unimaginable... He was the greatest, my idol," Vettel shared, noting this realization helped him normalize his own feelings.
• Performance Reality: Vettel acknowledged he was no longer at his "absolute peak" during his two years with Aston Martin, but valued the period for rediscovering his comfort and enjoyment behind the wheel.
• On-Track Highlights: Despite not being at his best, he was the clear team leader over Lance Stroll and secured a memorable podium finish (P2) at the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He was also disqualified from a potential P2 in Hungary that same year due to a fuel sample issue.

The Bottom Line:

Ultimately, Vettel's time at Aston Martin served its purpose, allowing him to leave F1 on his own terms after finding peace with his performance. His story serves as a powerful reminder that the mental game in Formula 1 is just as critical as the physical one, a lesson that contrasts with the seemingly relentless drive of his successor, Fernando Alonso.