Sebastian Vettel says his title defeat in 2009 was worse than missing out on this year’s Formula 1 championship to Lewis Hamilton.
Vettel challenged for the 2009 title in a rapid Red Bull car but proved unable to overhaul the substantial advantage built by Brawn’s Jenson Button in the early events.
Vettel went on to win four straight titles but was not a contender from 2014-16 as Mercedes dominated, during which phase he departed Red Bull for pastures new at Ferrari.
Vettel missed out on last year’s title, having re-emerged as a front-runner with the rejuvenated Ferrari team, and this season led the standings before his bid collapsed amid a sequence of errors and setbacks.
“I have been three times now I have been in a position like that,” said Vettel on his title defeat.
“2017, ’09 and this year, so probably 2009 was the worst one, the lowest point.
“You never know what the next year brings so you never know whether you get another chance.
“I have worked very hard for it and I am confident it will come but, ultimately, I don’t know, you can’t predict. None of those moments were nice.”
Vettel also stressed that giving up is "not an option" in his ambition to win a World Championship with Ferrari.
“I still have a mission here and I still want to win,” he said. “That hasn’t changed.
“Obviously, the last race was a tough one to swallow and probably the winter will be as well.
“Giving up is not an option.”
