Question: Bernie, do you remember when you congratulated Sebastian after winning the title?
Bernie Ecclestone: I am not really sure if I congratulated him at all. I guess I just said ‘well done’ to him.
Sebastian Vettel: That’s true. It was ‘well done’. But I got the ruler from Bernie in Abu Dhabi.
Question: A ruler?
Sebastian Vettel: Yep. This ruler has the names of all the Formula One champions engraved and the words ‘just in case you missed what just happened’. I didn’t!
Bernie Ecclestone: And you received the silver telegram that all champions receive from me…
Question: Why do the two of you get along so well?
Bernie Ecclestone: We are the same age (laughs) and I always look for guys I can beat in backgammon…
Sebastian Vettel: …and that’s why we are no longer friends! (grins)
Bernie Ecclestone: Right, because Seb momentarily has the upper hand, but be sure I will bounce back.
Sebastian Vettel: Coming back to reality, of course I knew Bernie from TV when I started in Formula One. I was totally surprised when we finally met that he welcomed me with open arms and respected me from the very first moment. It almost left me speechless, as did his offer to come to him whenever I feel I am having a problem - from a guy who was larger than life for me. But I also remember that when I got my super license in Istanbul he came up to me saying, ‘Don’t mess it up, boy!’
Question: What has been your most emotional moment in Formula One racing. Was it in Abu Dhabi last year after you won the title?
Sebastian Vettel: To be honest, on the Abu Dhabi podium I felt somewhat empty and lost. I hadn’t really realized what had just happened. It was a dream come true to test a Formula One car, then the dream got bigger when I was driving one and making it onto the podium and winning a race, so when the title was mine it was almost a bit too much for me. But instinctively I knew that it was very addictive - I want more of the same!
Bernie Ecclestone: That mindset is all that matters. I probably shouldn’t say this, but I am sure Seb would race without even getting paid. But that doesn’t mean I would suggest he should race for free!
Sebastian Vettel: But that’s the gist of the matter. With all the glamour that surrounds us, some seem to forget what we are here for. I try to keep my feet on the ground. I don’t feel any ‘bigger’ than my friends from schooldays. I would say I am only privileged in one thing and that’s that I’ve found something in life that gives me a great deal of satisfaction. Based on that view, yes, I probably would even pay to drive a Formula One car.
Bernie Ecclestone: Shush… You can think that, but never say it! (laughs)
Sebastian Vettel: But that’s how I think, because if I didn’t love what I do I probably wouldn’t be so successful. Money was never a motivator for me.
Question: Bernie, you have seen many champions. Who comes closest to Sebastian?
Bernie Ecclestone: He reminds me of Jochen Rindt. Seb will always stay grounded, no matter how big the success. That is what makes real champions. That was also Jochen’s strength. Plus both are lousy losers…
Sebastian Vettel: How true! Even in backgammon! (laughs) My expression then is somewhat similar to the one I wore after I lost the race in Canada.
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