Vettel must coordinate protests with Aston Martin: 'Then you achieve more'

Sebastian Vettel has been in the spotlight more and more this year because of his protests. Aston Martin has no problem with this, but team owner Mike Krack wants more consultation between the driver and the team.

As a four-time world champion, Vettel is still a figurehead for F1 and, like Lewis Hamilton, uses that role to do what he sees as good for the world. Nearly every Grand Prix he draws attention to a specific issue through a shirt or a design of his helmet. Often focused on the environment.

Protest from Vettel

At Aston Martin they are still behind the German. ''Everyone has their own opinion. I don't think you can muzzle top athletes who are intelligent. Sebastian gets criticised for his commitment, but that's not fair," says Krack in conversation with Sport1.de. Vettel was particularly criticised for focusing more on racing.

For Krack the protests are not the problem. However, he would like to know in advance what Vettel will do. ''As the person in charge of the team, I would like Sebastian to work more closely with us and speak to us prior to such actions. Together you can achieve more. For example, Sebastian asked why the transport from the airport to the company and back couldn't just be electric. We do it now, because it makes sense," he concludes.