SPORT

SEBASTIAN Vettel’s barren spell with Ferrari stretches to a dismal 13 Formula One races without a win, dating back to the Belgian Grand Prix last August, before tonight’s meeting in Monaco.

The veteran driver (pictured) still holds No.1 status at Ferrari mainly because of his experience. At times this season he has been slower than Charles Leclerc, his young and highly-motivated colleague keen to make an impression in his first season with the team.

When asked if Vettel’s performances had fallen below expectations for a four-time world champion, team boss Mattia Binotto defended him and said the problems were not down to the German.

“First we need a good car ... which is performing sufficiently well to win,” Binotto said. “It may be frustrating for him, no doubt. But first it’s our duty to give him (one) that he can perform well (in).”

The car is apparently not an issue Ferrari had anticipated. After strong performances in pre-season testing, it was touted as the team to beat, and even five-time champion Lewis Hamilton – winner of the past two championships – said so.

But Hamilton and Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas have won all five races this season while Ferrari has a measly three podium places.