Famous sportsmen, notably Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Mike Tyson, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady, all rank among the best of all time in their respective sports. Sebastian Vettel, the German Formula One driver, most definitely deserves a spot amongst them.
He was the reigning four-time world champion in motorsports from 2010 to 2013, yet his success is far from what it seems. The racing career of the German driver lasted more than 15 years and was highly interesting. He was once among the most despised individuals on the grid, but over time, he won over his detractors and is now among the most adored.
Didn’t Have An Ordinary Childhood
On July 3, 1987, Sebastian Vettel was born in Heppenheim, Germany. When Seb was four years old, he began amateur karting. At the early age of 8, he began competing in several Kart series four years later. It looks like his academic performance was low.
Got Into Racing Since Childhood
Michael Schumacher, a fellow German racing legend, was Seb’s childhood hero, as was previously mentioned. He started out winning a lot of races thanks to that and his innate talent for racing. In fact, he once had to deal with several bullies who, out of jealousy, broke his racing trophies! Nevertheless, he persisted and eventually won the 2004 German Formula BMW Championship by winning 18 out of 20 races.
Absolute Glory Days With Red Bull
When Sebastian Vettel joined Red Bull Racing in 2009, record was set, and we all know what followed. He shocked everyone by finishing second behind Jenson Button at the season’s end. The next year, he took first place by just 4 points, earning Red Bull the manufacturer’s title in the process.
By winning three more back-to-back championships in 2011, 2012, and 2013, it is safe to conclude that he was in the same league as his hero Michael Schumacher after that. In 2014, when he could only manage fifth, his streak came to an end.
Not The Only Racing Driver In The Family
The German couple Norbert and Heike Vettel have four children, and one of them is named Sebastian. He has a younger brother, Fabian, along with two sisters, Stefanie and Melanie. Fabian is a fellow race car racer who was motivated by his elder brother’s accomplishments.
Like Seb, Fabian began his racing career in karting, but he addressed the later phases of his career in a different way. Fabian has enjoyed a successful career in Esports racing and now hopes to have a similar outcome in traditional racing.
His Off-Track Activism And General Philanthropy Is Amazing
Sebastian Vettel is now admired and revered for his recent efforts to draw attention to significant social and environmental issues. He comes across as a sincere and down to earth person who picks up trash, rides his bike to the track, and interacts with others in an amusing and kind manner.
What Will He Do After He Retires?
It sure is difficult to predict what Sebastian Vettel will do next for a man who doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone and who has the wealth, resources, and willpower to achieve anything he wants to. It’s the end of an era, and many of us are still in shock over the news of his retirement from Formula One. It is logical that he would prioritise spending more time with his family during a recent interview.
While he didn’t rule out competing in other motorsports, he made it clear that he wouldn’t start doing it straight away after the season was over. We can only hope to see him more often and wish him the best with whatever he has planned.
