Vettel not worried about next contract or next car

Vettel at the press conference

When asked in Thursday's USGP press conference about his Ferrari contract expiring after next year Sebastian Vettel said discussing a Formula 1 contract extension with Ferrari is not important while preparations for the team's 2017 car take priority.

Team principal Maurizio Arrivabene said recently the German has to "earn" his place at the team beyond 2017 and one would argue Arrivabene has to earn his place as well and so far one can say he is failing miserably.

When asked if he expected to start negotiations to extend the contract soon, Vettel said: "We are all fairly busy at this time to focus on the four races we have left and to focus in particular on preparing for next year. That is where the main focus lies.

"I don't think it is that important to look into details such as my contract. It's all fine for next year. With a lot of things happening in the factory back in Maranello, I know they are busy, and that is where I want the focus to be."

The topic of developing this year's car vs. Focusing on 2017 given Ferrari is out of this year's title fight came up.

Ferrari continues to develop its 2016 car which one journalist thought was the wrong approach. Vettel believes this is the right decision, even if there is also a dramatic change in aerodynamic regulations for the next campaign.

"I don't think we are the only ones still bringing bits to the car.

A despondent looking Vettel knows in his heart Ferrari is in bad shape

"It is normal at this time if you're not fighting actively for the championship, your focus is on next year given the amount of rules that are changing.

"But still I see the point of going around, I see the point of going to the next four races, not just to try and win and be successful but also to learn about this year's car which will ultimately help you with next year's car.

"Every lap we spend, we try to spend wisely, we try to do the right thing to maximize the moment, but in particular looking forward to next year. I'm confident we are doing the right thing."

"The new parts in Japan were a step forward and both Kimi and myself liked them straight away," said Vettel. "It gave us quite good performance in Japan and Japan is usually a good test for the overall performance of the car.

"In Austin, you could argue it is similar in some ways, the first sector has a lot of fast corners as well. It gave us a good indication for this year and next."

Even though Mercedes has stopped development and is focused on 2017, Ferrari still cannot beat them on the race track this year – that's how far behind they are. Mark C. reporting for AR1.com