Vettel: “Give Niki a few last laps in Monaco”

The German is sporting a special helmet design this weekend in Monaco to honor the memory of Niki Lauda, who passed away earlier this week.

Published on 23/05/2019 à 18:43

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Vettel: “Give Niki a few last laps in Monaco”

Since the death of the three-time world champion Formula 1 at the age of 70 last Monday, tributes and expressions of sympathy are multiplying within the F1 community, gathered for the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend.

At Ferrari, where Lauda won two of his three planetary crowns (1975 and 1977), the name of the Austrian driver was thus inscribed in a calligraphy inspired by the 1970s on the sides of the SF90. Sebastian Vettel, who had a close relationship with Lauda and notably sent him a handwritten letter when he was in hospital last year, adopted a special style of helmet as a sign of respect.

« The decoration reproduces the last livery that Niki had worn at Ferrari, explained the four-time world champion. I find the result very cool and I say to myself that it’s nice to offer him a few last laps of the track in Monaco ».

As for current affairs, namely the first Monegasque free runs, Vettel admits that the Scuderia did not have a very productive day, concluded a good distance from the Mercedes.

« We tried a lot of things that didn't really work., declared the German pilot, who came within seven tenths of Lewis Hamilton at the end of the two Thursday sessions. We were in a bit of difficulty and we lacked pace compared to the Mercedes. We are having trouble using the tires optimally so there is still work to be done.

I don't yet feel fully confident, but it's essential in Monaco to know what the car is going to do in order to anticipate a little. This is not the first time that this has happened to us during the first free practice sessions of the weekend. Here, we have a little more time to work since we don't drive on Friday ».