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Sebastian Vettel says Ferrari's traditional Italian rules and philosophies often lead to the team being misunderstood.
The Scuderia hasn't won a title of any sort for 12 years in Formula 1, and many believe their unique culture is partly to blame for this, seeing it as outdated.
Vettel, who has driven for the team since 2015, denies this, saying that their history and traditions are one of their biggest strengths.
"The strength of this team is the passion for Ferrari," the German told Autosport.com.
"I think that's what drives people coming in and going out every day. I think it's really the legend and the myth of this brand. And to become a part of that history."
However, Vettel was quick to add that while this is the case, Ferrari is also modern and forward-thinking in many other respects.
"It's very Italian inside, has very Italian rules and traditions, which is great, that they are kept, but equally it's very modern.
"I think sometimes also this is misunderstood, because you look at Italy to say that they are very traditional with lots of things and 'la mamma' and all this, whatever.
"But, you know, people are still very, very forward-thinking and I think we have a lot of young great talents in the team, great people with great ideas, creative ideas, and that's why in a way it's a shame that we haven't, you know – in terms of results – haven't had that breakthrough yet.
"That's why also the focus is there to keep working, do our thing, because I believe that one day we'll be there."
Given his struggles last year and the fact that his contract is expiring at the end of this one, there is talk that Vettel is ready to leave the Italian team and maybe even the sport altogether.
This is something he denies though, stating that his desire to become a World Champion with Ferrari is as strong as ever.
"The mission is still the same because we are not at the top. Obviously Mercedes has beaten us the last [few] years, so the mission is still up," he said.
"Obviously we had a lot of races and we made a lot of experiences. I think there were some great moments and there were some moments that were not so great, but as I said the mission is still there and the target is still there to achieve the mission, to win with Ferrari."
- TEAMtalk media
