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Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
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Analysis

How Vettel can stop Leclerc destroying his reputation

Of Ferrari's 2019 Formula 1 drivers, the one with the four world titles begins the year under far more pressure than his extremely inexperienced teammate. After the wobbles of last season, will Sebastian Vettel's reputation be finished off by Charles Leclerc?

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The twin forces of time and progress are inexorable, even the greatest athlete cannot hold them back forever. As Sebastian Vettel reflects and regroups during the off-season, he will be conscious of their looming presence, made manifest in the form of new Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. How could he fail to feel the pressure from the 21-year-old standard bearer for the next generation of grand prix drivers who will collectively force Vettel into obsolescence?

The question is, when? That's partly down to Vettel to answer. At 31, he should be in his prime and capable of another five years at least at the top level. He's leading Formula 1's most famous team and will likely have the machinery to fight for, and win, the 2019 world championship. And despite his struggles in the second half of 2018, he's a seriously fast racing driver who doesn't have four world championships to his name by chance. Yet he's teetering on the precipice of career oblivion and could end the coming season a busted flush.

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