Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel is a German Formula 1 driver, and as a four time back-to-back World Champion, he is one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history.

He won all four titles driving for Red Bull Racing between 2010 and 2013. In 2015, Vettel joined Scuderia Ferrari and currently drives for the Italian team.

Sebastian Vettel, four-time Formula 1 champion

Early years and start in Formula BMW series

Vettel was born in Heppenheim, in Hesse region, in July 1987. As a kid, he liked races, but also football (fan of Eintracht Frankfurt FC), basketball and music. Once, he said that he had "three Michaels heroes“ during his childhood – Schumacher, Jordan and Jackson. Luckily, he realized that he didn’t have a voice to became a singer so his driving talent come to the fore.

He won many junior competitions in his early racing days, and in 2004, he was the champion of German Formula BMW Championship, winning 18 out of 20 races in the season. Good results in the first season in Formula 3 Euro Series pushed him forward and was rewarded with a chance to test Williams FW27 in Formula 1, and later he went on to test for Sauber Team.

Sebastian Vettel, Formula BMW, Norisring 2004

Unexpected chance for racing in F1 at Canadian Grand Prix

In 2007, when he was the leader of the Formula Renault Championship, he was called to permanently take a seat in Sauber when he substituted Robert Kubica at Canadian Grand Prix. Vettel finished eighth at that race and became the youngest driver ever to score a point in Formula 1.

Sebastian Vettel, BMW Sauber Formula 1 team

Maiden win with Toro Rosso

Sauber released him in the middle of 2007, but Toro Rosso reacted quickly and brought him for the rest of the season and for the upcoming 2008. Team owner Dietrich Mateschitz had great belief in Vettel’s abilities, after his right hand Helmut Marko spotted the young driver's talent, and in the coming years they were proven right. During 2009, Vettel scored his first win at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, and took 8th place at the end of the season.

Sebastian Vettel, Toro Rosso

Move to Red Bull and the four-year supremacy

In 2009, Vettel was promoted to Red Bull, Mateshitz’s “first team” in Formula 1. He won four races in his first season with the team, finishing second overall. It was obvious that he is matured and prepared for greater achievements. In the following four years, he won four Drivers’ Championship titles, winning 34 of 77 races. He was so superior that even the negative campaign in many medias, fueled largely by his rivals, failed to overpower his glory.

Sebastian Vettel won four Formula 1 World Championship titles with Red Bull

Vettel's supremacy during those years was huge and hardly can be matched in the foreseeable future. During four years of domination, he also had 40 pole positions, 19 fastest laps and a total of 53 podium finishes.

Video : Tribute to Sebastian Vettel, the four-time Formula 1 champion

Laureus Sportsman of the Year

For his achievements, he was honored many times, nationally and internationally. In Germany, he got the Silver Laurel Leaf in recognition of his multiple world titles and his exemplary character. Vettel was named the European Sportsperson of the year in 2010, and four years later voted as the Sportsman of the year at the Laureus World Sports Award.

After a big rise, there is always a fall. The beginning of 2014 was sweet because Vettel became a father, but he underperformed on the track, failing to win a single race. Finally, at the end of the season, rumors about a transfer to Ferrari were confirmed, and the four time champion is ready for a new beginning.

Sebastian Vettel, Laureus Award

Move to Ferrari and attempt to return to the top

Signing with the biggest and the most popular Formula 1 team was a kind of a dream come true for the German, but the first year wasn't impressive, and not by Vettel's fault. Ferrari was far from Mercedes in all aspects, but Vettel still was able to take three race wins and finish third in the Drivers' championship.

Pressure on Vettel was big because many fans expected that he can return to his glory days from Scuderia. He did almost everything he can do, but the car wasn't fast enough and Sebastian became slightly nervous after not being able to fight for the top. Anyway, the team and Vettel are making their best efforts to climb to the top of the standings.

Sebastian Vettel is still searching for glory with Ferrari

No wins in 2016, losing title in 2017 and 2018

The season of 2016 was pretty painful for the four-time champion. Vettel finished fourth overall without a single race win and scored just seven podium finishes. That was really disappointing for both Vettel and Ferrari but also it was clear that the following season can't be so bad.

Ferrari and Vettel bounced back in 2017. He scored five victories but lost at title to Lewis Hamilton. The same two drivers were again the main title candidates in 2018 and Vettel was the loser again, watching how Hamilton is winning his fifth title.

Sebastian Vettel in 2018

Defeated by new teammate in 2019

Charles Leclerc joined Scuderia Ferarri for the 2019 Formula 1 season and immediately defeated Vettel in his first season with the team. Sebastian finished fifth in the points after winning only one race (Singapore Grand Prix), while Leclerc was the winner two times and finished fourth in the points.