Vettel needs to have learned from 2017

It may take some time for Sebastian Vettel to shift the tag of being a ‘hot-head’.

His outburst at the Mexico Grand Prix in 2016 was all verbal and over team radio, it was much easier to forgive.

But when he deliberately rammed title rival Lewis Hamilton at the Azerbaijan GP costing him what would have proved to be a race victory, he was accused of having anger management issues by some of the media.

Ferrari obviously stood by their franchise driver, but now the dust has settled it seems even Vettel isn’t immune from criticism from Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne.

‘Sebastian Vettel is a guy who studies a lot, studies himself and is committed, Therefore, I think that we will see less of his emotional side. I think he has learned enough.

‘Plus, there were plenty of opportunities for him to get annoyed, as he’s had a couple of rather difficult seasons, this year and the previous one.’ Marchionne told Sky Sports.

But, the time for learning is over and now it appears it’s time for the former four-time Formula One World Champion to deliver.

Many people believe that the Ferrari was actually the best car on the grid in 2017, so for Vettel to walk away without the title, doesn’t look good.

‘I think we gave them a great car in 2017 and so, from now on, it’s down to him.’

Discussing the Ferrari F1 team he continued: ‘We really believed we could do much more: but in 2017, we were unable to reach our objectives.’

‘The important thing is to start 2018 with all this expertise and experience and to manage this organisation, I have no doubt that we will be competitive.’