Sebastian Vettel has admitted that he doubted his talent during his final season with Red Bull, one that saw him overshadowed by team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.
The German was outscored by 71 points as Ricciardo went on to win three races in his debut season with the Milton Keynes team – making him the only non-Mercedes driver to win a race that year.
Meanwhile Vettel struggled, scoring just four podium finishes, leading to his shock departure for Ferrari.
When asked if he had self-doubts that year, he told the official Formula 1 website: “Yes, I did – and I am not ashamed to admit it. Everybody doubts himself at one point or another.
“For sure, 2014 was not a nice season. I was not performing the way I wanted to perform – and if that happens it is more honest to show your feelings and not hide behind a fake smile.”
He confirmed those doubts prompted him to switch teams and start from scratch with Ferrari, a relationship which has so far proven fruitful as he sits second in the Drivers’ championship behind Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.
“About the same time last year I understood that it was time to move on. And the stage I am at now proved me right. I am very happy with how things worked out.
“Sure, when I joined Ferrari there was never any guarantee in terms of results, but now it is nice to know that we’ve exceeded all kinds of expectations, including mine – maybe.”
