In Italy, however, this push by the German Formula 1 star was not well received. “Sebastian Vettel’s words have no style. This is polemics, insulting our President and the whole Republic,” scolds Geronimo La Russa, President of the influential Milan Automobile Club, in the “Gazzetta dello Sport”.
Vettel had described Mattarella as “about 100 years old” and accused the President of sticking to “ego things” like the squadron.
Sebastian Vettel has not made any friends in Italy
That’s why La Russa has even less understanding for the German’s statements: “I always thought you listened to the president of a country instead of talking about him – especially when you’re a guest from a foreign country,” said the high-ranking sports official , who adds: “It’s a shame that a world champion – and one who won his first Grand Prix in Monza – triggered such a superfluous and hypocritical controversy.”
La Russa therefore publicly demands an apology from ex-Ferrari star Vettel: “I think he should apologize to President Mattarella and all Italians,” explains the capo of the Milan automobile club, who also points out that the aerobatic team as must be understood as part of Italian national pride.
