Sebastian Vettel says no favouritism at Red Bull
Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel has dismissed reports suggesting he is being favoured over teammate Mark Webber in the Formula One team.
Following the collision with Webber at the Turkish Grand Prix, there were rumours the team were showing a preference for the young German by allowing him to overtake and win the race.
After the race the team also appeared to back Vettel over the incident, even though he caused the collision. However, Vettel has rubbished these reports, and after a meeting with Webber and the team this week to clear the air, he insists there is no favouritism.
“What we have been discussing internally is neither driver is favoured in any way. We go out and try to find out who is the better one, like it should be. We know we have exactly the same chances. There are a lot of races to come and a lot of things to happen - the most important thing to happen is to keep looking forward,” said the 22-year-old.
The collision scuppered Red Bull’s chances of securing a one-two finish, with both drivers losing out on the race victory. McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton was handed the win on a plate, with his teammate and reigning world champion Jenson Button coming second. Webber managed to bring his damaged car in third, while Vettel retired from the race.
For the first time since the collision, Vettel has admitted he may have been at fault.
“It all happened fairly quick. I got a very good run out of the corner leading on to the back straight, and got a good tow. Then I was going on the inside. I had already passed Mark and then tried to come slowly back to the right. At that time I was the leading car and then usually the leader dictates when to go. We made contact and that was the end of the race for me,” said Vettel.
Believing he was right to attempt the overtake, if the chance was presented again, Vettel revealed he would do it again. “Any racing driver who finds himself in second and thinks he is faster and stronger than the guy in the lead and gets the chance - it's not like you get a million chances. I used my chance and unfortunately I didn't see the chequered flag. I lost a lot of points. It's not a good thing to have a DNF down in the championship.”
Red Bull’s emphasis will now switch to the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend, with Webber leading the drivers’ standings and Vettel playing catch up. “You could see I wasn't very happy about what happened [in Turkey], but as I said we have to move on. I am looking forward to Canada and there is no reason to be desperate and say now we have to prove it. We are doing a very good job on Saturdays, and Sundays we need to work on it and get the results in. We have a strong car and will try and achieve our maximum,” said Vettel.
The fight for the No.1 spot at Red Bull continues.
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