Arrivabene sacking positive for Vettel, says Rosberg

Sebastian Vettel will benefit from Ferrari’s decision to replace Maurizio Arrivabene with new team principal Mattia Binotto, according to Nico Rosberg who believes that the four-time world champion did not receive enough support from the Scuderia management in the 2018 F1 season.

Last year was a tumultuous one for Ferrari as their championship assault fell away after the death of popular CEO, Sergio Marchionne.

Vettel was guilty of some high-profile mistakes during races, most notably in Germany, France, Italy, and Azerbaijan, but Rosberg thinks his compatriot wasn’t given backing by the team thereafter.

"The change at the top of the team will have a positive effect on Sebastian," he told Auto Bild.

"He lost the title in 2018 also because he lacked 100% support.

2️⃣ days and counting until we hit the track at Albert Park! ???????? Will you be there?#SF90 #essereFerrari #AusGP pic.twitter.com/zwL8M1xYwK

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 13, 2019

"That should have changed now," added Rosberg.

However, Rosberg admits that Vettel needs to drive a "perfect season" from the cockpit, and fend off the challenge of his new teammate Charles Leclerc.

Ferrari's new boss Binotto says Vettel will get "priority" this year, but Rosberg said: "I'm looking forward to the duel.

"Leclerc will be wanting to prove that he is sitting in the right place at Ferrari."

Ferrari and Vettel get their season under way this weekend when they take to the track at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

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