Switching F1 teams is a huge task: "Your whole approach is different"

In 2021 many drivers who switch teams are having trouble adapting to the new car. According to Sebastian Vettel this is due to an abundance of data and difficult tyres from Pirelli.

Switching F1 teams

In 2021, we see with Vettel, Carlos Sainz, Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo that it's not easy to make the switch to a new team, and the same can actually be said for Fernando Alonso. No matter how much experience these guys all have, they are starting from scratch at their new team.

''In the last five or six years, more and more information has been added that you have to deal with. Things you have to store in your head before you can focus on racing. Switching from one car to another is not difficult. It's more about dealing with the different philosophy of the team, which changes your whole approach'', Vettel told Auto, Motor und Sport.

Difficult tyres from Pirelli

''You have the same feeling for the tyres as in your previous car, but somehow it's harder to find the right window. Tyre knowledge has exploded in the last five years. So if you can find your window, it's great, but if you can't find your window, you're nowhere.

In that respect, Vettel is therefore not a big fan of the Pirelli tyres. ''They are less and less good at handling different forces. On the other hand, cars have more and more grip and are becoming heavier. Also the engines have more power. That all has an effect on the tyres as well'', Vettel concludes with some softening for Pirelli.