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That was the only podium success he would have that season. But it was enough to prompt the German Third Estate to declare Vettel as the next 'Schumi'. His humility and honesty emerged when he played down his victory as "difficult in normal circumstances [without rain] for us to repeat this achievement" and his comparison with Michael Schumacher as a "bit ridiculous."
His victory wouldn't have come as a surprise for the legend himself, a seven time world champion. Schumacher had seen Vettel's promise right from the latter's go-karting days. Berger, himself a former F1 driver, remembered Schumi telling him years ago, "There is this guy in go-karts, the name is Vettel. He is very quick." Did Schumi see himself in Vettel? Maybe.
Torro Rosso's 'big brother' Red Bull Racing soon picked up Vettel for the 2009 season. He had to wait till the Chinese GP to be taken notice of again. He won his second GP there with teammate Webber making it a 1-2 for Red Bull for the first time. Leaders Brawn GP team wasn't going to have it easy from Vettel, as he chased championship leader Jenson Button. Vettel won three more races that season, yet ended up second best to Button. But the "kid" was here to stay.
Destiny achieved
2010. One could almost sense his destiny and Gerhard Berger's prediction coming to pass. No other F1 season in recent memory had seen not two but four drivers vying for the top spot. Vettel had to ward off competition from experienced drivers in Ferrari's Alonso, McLaren's Hamilton and his own teammate Webber. Even after winning four races and finishing on the podium in five others, Vettel was behind Alonso by a massive 15 points. But with the newer point system, Vettel stood a chance, albeit a slim one. By grabbing the pole position at the Abu Dhabi GP, the kid made his intention clear. He wasn't letting this one go! He led from pole-to-finish, and with Alonso finishing eighth, Vettel became the youngest F1 World Champion in its 60 year history!Total domination: 2011
While 2010 was the closest, 2011 is appearing anything but that. Check these figures - 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1. These are the positions (if it wasn't for the second, it would have been a singular) that Vettel has finished the first six races of the 2011 season. One can't fault a non-follower of F1 to think that there are just two drivers on the track. There are 24.Schumi and Vettel
After these atrocious results, comparisons with Schumacher are inevitable. Schumi's record of 13 GP wins in a season is under serious threat. His aggressive driving, combined with his skills to adapt, and the importance he gives to his team that works behind the scenes are all reminiscent of his idol Michael Schumacher. The fact that the younger German loves driving (and winning) in the rain also cannot be missed. Schumacher after all, was called the 'rain-master'.
Feet firm on ground
Perhaps what may make Vettel stand apart is his lack of arrogance. But then, he's got miles to go. The judgment will wait on that one as his feet seems to be firmly on the ground. For now, it's time to enjoy the humour that he brings along. He loves Kate's Dirty Sister, Luscious Liz, Randy Mandy and Kinky Kylie. These are the names of the cars that he himself has christened. Sample this quote from when everybody was waiting for Schumacher's retirement announcement in 2006: "You could run through the paddock stark naked and nobody would notice."Incidentally, he also admired the other two Michaels, Jordan and Jackson and wanted in fact, to sing like MJ. He realised pretty soon that he couldn't sing well. We're glad! By the time you read this article, this young 'legend-in-the-making' would have only just celebrated his 24th birthday. For those who were looking for another legend in racing in the Schumi mode, look no further. They may call him the 'Baby Schumi' or 'the New Schumi', but Vettel wants and rightly deserves his own identity - 'The new Vettel'.
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