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Vettel proud to help fellow German Pascal Wehrlein to Ferrari gig

Vettel "proud" to help fellow German Pascal Wehrlein to Ferrari gig

02-03-2019 19:12
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Nicolás Quarles van Ufford

Ferrari star Sebastian Vettel revealed he helped fellow countryman and former F1 driver Pascal Wehrlein to a sim driving role at Ferrari, with Vettel admitting he's proud to have another German at the Scuderia.

Wehrlein had two years in Formula 1, driving for Manor and Sauber in 2016 and 2017 respectively. In both years, he had the worst car on the grid, scoring just six points across the two years. In both cases, with his one point in 2016 and his five points in 2017, he scored all of his team's points that year.

Having driven in DTM and currently being active in Formula E, Wehrlein is still very active as a racer, and Vettel rates the 24-year-old, which is why he helped landing him a gig at Ferrari.

"I didn't sign his contract," Vettel smiled in an interview with Bild.

"But when the topic of sim drivers was brought up, I mentioned his name. I get along nicely with Pascal and he has the potential. I'm sure he'll help us progress."

With Mick Schumacher as a junior driver, Wehrlein in the sim rig and Vettel in the SF90, Ferrari is crawling with Germans, which is something Vettel is proud of.

"It makes me proud for sure, because there are enough reasons for us to be proud of our country. When it comes to learning, Germany has created some good opportunities, perhaps the best of all of them."

Speaking on Mick Schumacher, the new Ferrari junior, Vettel explained that he will be working with Mick on several occasions, but he won't get in his way.

"I won't give him tips on how to drive. It's best for him to gain his own experience. 

"Besides, I don't need to tell him how high the expectations are for him. He doesn't need anyone to tell him that. I just hope he gets the time to take the last step to Formula 1 at his own pace and that he doesn't rush things. I think he'll manage," the four-time champion concluded.