Sebastian Vettel interview for F1 Racing:
Q: What is your favourite thing to do to switch off from racing and Formula 1?
Seb: “Family.”
Q: What is more fun for Seb? A flat-out, on-the-limit qualifying lap, or a wheel-to-wheel battle fighting for the lead?
Seb: “A wheel-to-wheel battle fighting for the lead. When you are driving a qualifying lap you are racing yourself because the car is at its peak, with new tyres and low fuel. Whereas in the race the car is not at its best. But if you are fighting for the lead in a race, for example the battle I had with Valtteri Bottas at Silverstone last year, where I had to make a move for the lead and then somehow make it stick – that can be very satisfying. In qualifying it’s more about focus, whereas in a wheel-to-wheel battle you have much more adrenaline and excitement.”
Q: The German press called you ‘Baby Schumi’ when you started in F1. How did you feel about the nickname then and it is something you fondly look back on now?
Seb: “Now I can laugh about it, but back then, I don’t know. I thought my chin wasn’t as big as Michael’s – so I don’t think it was very fitting. I didn’t like it because Michael was not just a German guy in Formula 1, but he was the best guy in Formula 1. So I don’t think it was fair, because I hadn’t achieved anything, so how could you…just because I came from the same country. But I got the story and fine, if that’s what people call me. I was once called the ‘fastest braces’ in Germany, but I think Baby Schumi is better than that – it was an upgrade. Now I don’t have any nicknames any more.”
F1 Racing: But Michael Schumacher has been a huge inspiration for you?
Seb: “Yes, it’s a real shame that I can’t just pick up the phone and talk to him. Initially he was my hero and someone I looked up to and later I got to know the person. Now when I look back, it’s Michael the person I remember – not so much the racing driver, but I am still full of admiration for the racing driver. I talk to the guys here at Ferrari who were also here in Michael’s time and they speak very highly of him. This proves that he left behind something special.”
Q: Of the helmets you’ve had designed in your career, which one is your favourite – and how much input do you have in the designs?
Seb: “There are a lot. I don’t know how many, but I have more than 100 helmets. Together with Jens Munser (his designer), we just have fun. In Japan last year I had a design that was a little bit different. In Germany and Singapore we often do something special, too. Jens comes up with a lot of ideas and then I choose from them. Sometimes it’s very quick and we’re both happy; other times there’s a bit of an argument – and then we find an agreement. It’s a nice thing to do, because it’s a personal thing. But my favourite one…I couldn’t tell you. I don’t remember them all.”
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