Sebastian Vettel’s full interview with ADAC. With more than 18 million members in May 2012, ADAC is the largest automobile club in Europe. It is also the largest motorcyclist association in the world, with 1.5 million members:
What does it mean to have a race in Germany for you?
Sebastian Vettel: “Of course, I’m really happy that Formula 1 is back in Germany. For us German drivers, it’s nice to come home. I know the area around Hockenheim very well, it’s not far away from my hometown Heppenheim. This is a real home race for me.”
The ADAC Formula 4 starts in Hockenheim. Why do you support this series?
Sebastian Vettel: “I remember the early years of my F1 career very well. I owe much to the ADAC. It was a great but important time to mature as a racing driver. That’s why I’m delighted whenever I can contribute to the attractiveness of Formula 4 together with ADAC. I follow the championship closely, the guys are driving at a high level and I’m sure that I will see some of them in Formula One in the future.”
Why is it important to have a series like the ADAC Formula 4?
Sebastian Vettel: “For young talents, after karting, these series are the entry into the Automobile Racing Sports. This is one of the most important steps in the career of a young racing driver.”
What do drivers learn here? For example you won 18 out of 20 races in the Formula BMW ADAC in 2004.
Sebastian Vettel: “Switching from karting to the Formula Sport is a big change. You suddenly sit in a car that is much heavier than a go-kart. You have a limited view and now your weight doesn’t play a big role anymore. It’s a completely different driving experience. There is so much to learn: controlling the car, working with a team and engineers. And in karting you have the opportunity to drive a lot. That changes here too. Because in the Formula Sport, the training times are limited and you can only do a few laps on the track.”
Do these experiences help you today?
Sebastian Vettel: “Yes, all that does not change until Formula 1. It just gets bigger and faster. But in principle, it’s always about the same things.”
What do you advise young racing drivers, who are dreaming of F1?
Sebastian Vettel: “Everyone has to decide for themselves how ambitious they are, how much passion they want to show to get there. On the other hand, it is important, despite all the discipline and effort – the whole thing costs a lot of money after all – not to lose the joy in the sport.”
In the past, there were many Formula 1 drivers from Germany, at the moment there is only you and Nico Hiiikenberg. How did this happen?
Sebastian Vettel: “I don’t think that there is a special reason for that. We simply go through different phases. For years Frenchmen were missing in Formula 1. Seven years ago, they asked themselves what they were doing wrong because there were so many Germans. Now there are three drivers from France and one from Monaco compared to two drivers from Germany. But I think that the conditions are very good for us. Whether junior or German Karting Championship, ADAC Formula 4 or Formula 3 – these series all operate at a very high international level. In other words, everything young racing drivers need is right on their doorstep. There is nothing that stands in the way of German talents for their careers.”
How long will your fans have to wait for your first title with Ferrari?
Sebastian Vettel: “We are on our way… The whole team is working very, hard and the potential is there. After all, it’s up to us to bring everything together.”
Where do you see the future: in Formula1 or Formula E?
Sebastian Vettel: “You can not compare these two series. Formula 1 is much bigger and more important, Formula E however is a side phenomenon. It will never be able to replace Formula One.”
Can you imagine driving a electric racing car? Sebastian Vettel: “I have more fuel in my blood (smiles). However, I have never driven such a car, maybe I should do that because of course you should never make a judgment about something before you haven’t even tried it yourself.”
Leave a Reply