Nigel Mansell has praised Sebastian Vettel’s performances of late, describing the young German as ‘flawless’, ‘special’ and ‘mature’.
The 1992-world champion believes the Red Bull driver is on a roll toward his second title, having been provided with a very competitive car, more so than in his championship winning year.
“The person who’s jumped out of all the drivers in recent years is Sebastian Vettel,” he told the London Evening Standard. “He’s shown something special. This year he’s shown a maturity and a turn of speed, especially in qualifying. He’s matured over the winter, driven flawlessly pretty much in every race.
“The secret with Sebastian is that he’s been afforded the opportunity to defend the world championship in a better way than he won it. Having done it before, you’re on a roll. And his opponents are making driving mistakes, technical mistakes,” said the 57-year-old.
He wasn’t so approving of Lewis Hamilton, adding his comments to a growing list of detractors, though many F1 figures have also come out in support of the McLaren driver.
Mansell though believes the 26-year-old needs to learn to be patient, though he admitted luck hasn’t been on the 2008-champion’s side recently.
“Hamilton has to learn to be patient. You have to have a little bit of lady luck and there’s no question Lewis had bad luck.
Speaking about Hamilton’s Monaco GP, Mansell added: “I’m sure he would have been right up there at the front of the group but the accident happened and you have to accept it. But to force the issue in the manner he did in the race was unfortunate.
“He must learn you have to take your luck when it comes. When it goes against you, don’t push it.”
