Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel was a German racing driver born on 3 July 1987, and a four-time Formula 1 World Champion who dominated the early hybrid-precursor era with Red Bull Racing. A product of the Red Bull junior programme, he became the sport's youngest champion at the time and one of its most prolific winners.

Vettel debuted with BMW Sauber in 2007 before joining Toro Rosso, where he scored a stunning maiden victory in the wet at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Promoted to Red Bull, he claimed four consecutive Drivers' Championships from 2010 to 2013, the 2013 campaign featuring a record run of nine straight wins. He later moved to Ferrari, finishing championship runner-up in 2017 and 2018, before closing his career at Aston Martin. He retired with 4 titles, 53 wins, 122 podiums, 57 poles and 3,098 points from 300 starts.

One of the most successful drivers in F1 history, Vettel paired blistering one-lap pace with relentless consistency during his Red Bull dynasty. In his later years he became respected as an elder statesman and advocate for environmental and social causes, leaving a legacy that extends beyond his statistics.

Vettel was renowned for his exceptional qualifying speed and his ability to control races from the front, frequently disappearing into the distance once in clear air. A meticulous and intensely competitive driver, he stands among the greatest of his generation, and his later advocacy work cemented his standing as one of the sport's most thoughtful ambassadors.