Mark Webber: Sebastian Vettel needs help for F1 challlenge

Former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber feels Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel still has the ability to win races but needs his team to step up if he is to get the better of Lewis Hamilton.

Vettel is a four-time Formula 1 champion with Red Bull but has not taken the title since 2018. Mercedes took full advantage of rule changes concerning power units a few years ago and have dominated ever since, winning the past five constructors’ titles.

Hamilton has won four of the last five titles, with Nico Rosberg taking the other and the British flyer is on course for his sixth crown overall after claiming six of the eight grands prix to date this year. It was thought that Ferrari, and in particular Vettel, would challenge the Brackley-based marque in 2019 after their strong showing in Barcelona’s pre-season testing.

However, it has not worked out that way, with the German ace already 76 points behind the champion and showing signs of frustration at his lack of competitive edge. But Australian Webber, who won nine races during his F1 career, believes that, with a little help, the 31-year-old can return to the top of the sport.

“I think he needs a couple more lieutenants, he needs to have less responsibility in the team and just more reassurance that the Monday to Friday stuff is going to be dealt with,” he told Reuters.

“Seb’s still has got it, but it’s a real challenge to stay ahead against a Mercedes-Lewis Hamilton factor week in and week out.” Vettel is priced at 51.00 to win the title while Hamilton can be backed at 1.10 and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas 7.00.