Becomes youngest driver to win four Formula One world championships
Sebastian Vettel drank champagne during the post-race press conference, used the four-letter ‘F’ word several times, had moist eyes, was fined for his doughnut celebration and even forgave Ferrari fans for booing him but he would be spared everything. For, it’s not every day that you win make history — youngest driver to win four world championship titles.
On Sunday, Vettel won the third consecutive Indian Grand Prix — his tenth race this year — to seal this year’s world title for himself and constructors’ title for his team. As a result he was on a high.
“First of all, I would love to say thank you to the crowd, unbelievable reception today. It’s a shame we’re not racing here next year. I’m speechless. I’m speechless. I crossed the line (while celebrating victory), I was empty. It’s one of these moments you wish to say so many things but you can’t. Phenomenal season,” that was Vettel just after his win at the Indian GP.
A few gulps more of the champagne and it was a hilarious press meet that followed.
With four championships, he has equalled legends of the sport Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost and Michael Schumacher — Fangio and Schumi with back to back ones. And, it’s still to sink in.
“It’s very difficult. Put it this way. I was watching TV when Fernando Alonso started to win the races and now I am racing Fernando. To win four titles, it’s just a great number. Fangio put the number of five titles, everyone appreciated him as the best driver in the world.
“Michael came a couple of years later (laughs). Quiet many years later. It’s incredible that one guy managed to score more championships than this guy did. But when you speak to true legends of the sport, like Stirling Moss, they actually have the guts to say that f*** this guy was better than me. Prost is very difficult to put into perspective. I am way too young to understand what it means. I’ll be 60 one day and maybe then I’ll understand but nobody cares. I care, it’s difficult to realise something that nobody can take away from you,” a very happy Vettel added.
And, that’s how the entire meet went. Whatever the question, the German would start to answer and then take the point to a different one. He spoke about India being a poor but a happy nation.
“I would actually love to take the time out and travel India, travel around here because I think the country has the possibility to teach you so much. The majority of the people are poor, if you compare the living standards to Europe. I think it’s within human nature to complain, being German I think it’s in my roots to complain, but the majority of the people here have a very difficult life here, you would say but are very happy. I think it’s also a special place to win. When my engineer called for usual procedure – parc ferme, park the car – I said to myself I don’t care, I go there, the crowd was great in the Main Grand Stand and I had some great fun there which I enjoyed ,” he pointed out.
And, continuing the emotion, he was all-praise for his team Red Bull, thanking everyone for his title.
To a question on his celebration after the win, the German said, “It’s just an appreciation of the car. It’s pretty special. We work so hard to try and make the car faster, that’s it. The guys are pushing. The fact that the car lasts, the work that the mechanics put into the car, it’s just an appreciation. I’m very thankful to what these guys are doing. If you look at the pay check at the end of the month, you’d be surprised at the hours of work that these guys put in. I think it’s better to work at McDonalds then to do what they do. It’s 100 per cent commitment. They love their job,” the champion said of his support staff.
Vettel was in full flow on Sunday on and off the track.