Sebastian Vettel not satisfied with four F1 drivers' titles
- Published
Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel says his thirst for success has not been quenched by winning his fourth title.
Vettel says he loves his job, and wants to keep winning.
"I'm not completely aware of what it means, the achievements over the last couple of years. I'm happy not to be aware," the Red Bull driver said.
"To be that successful, of course it makes me proud, but every race and season is a new challenge. I am not lacking motivation."
Vettel, who sealed a fourth consecutive drivers' world championship at the Indian Grand Prix 10 days ago, visited the Red Bull factory on Wednesday to celebrate his success, with a news conference followed by a meet-and-greet with the employees.
Asked what his next goal was, the 26-year-old said: "The next race - that was my point. I am not trying to look too far ahead; I am not trying to look back.
"We had many special moments. I believe the biggest moment in my life is yet to come, otherwise it would be quite sad at the age of 26 to look back and say I have nothing to look forward to."
He gave as an example last weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in which he scored his seventh victory in a row, equalling Michael Schumacher's mark for consecutive wins in a season.
"I know how hard it is to get everything right," Vettel said. "Abu Dhabi is a good example. I was second in qualifying I tried a bit too hard and Mark [Webber, his team-mate] did a better job than me [and took pole position].
"I'm ambitious and I want to win, and if there is a chance to win I want to take it.
"One of the secrets, and for the whole team, is to be in the moment. We love motor racing and we enjoy racing, so we don't need any [extra] motivation.
"I am not thinking of what is happening before or in the future, I am thinking of this race and qualy or practice - try to get everything out.
"You have to plan the future a little bit but as long as you manage to focus on right now you will have a better future as well."
Vettel's success this year has made him by far the most successful active driver.
He has two titles more than Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and this year has passed the Spaniard's win tally, with Vettel now on 37 wins and Alonso on 32.
Asked whether he was interested in proving himself by taking on Alonso or Lewis Hamilton, the other member of F1's 'big three', in the same team, he said: "You always target to be with the best team. There have always been the best drivers with winning with the best teams.
"I am very happy where I am. It is about whether you are happy with who you are, and currently I am for sure.
"Next year, Daniel [Ricciardo] is coming in [as Vettel's team-mate]. It is difficult to judge right now and I am sure he will try very hard to give me a hard time."
Vettel said it was "good to see" Red Bull's decision to promote Ricciardo from junior team Toro Rosso rather than try to sign Alonso or Lotus driver and 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen, both of whom were interested in joining Red Bull.
- Published4 November 2013
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