- Red Bull
Vettel: Ferrari is F1's 'greatest team'
Sebastian Vettel says the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his idol Michael Schumacher and drive for Ferrari, F1's "greatest team", was too good to turn down.
On Thursday Vettel's move to Ferrari on a three-year deal was finally confirmed, shortly after the team announced the departure of Fernando Alonso. Vettel grew up watching his idol Michael Schumacher dominate the sport at Ferrari and he says following in his footsteps was an easy decision.
"I don't have to mention the history of Ferrari," Vettel said. "It's probably the greatest team in the sport. So I am very excited and very motivated to try to do my best, put my heart in it and obviously be successful. It will be special, for sure. It will be an emotional journey and I'm very much looking forward to it. Not just the first race but also stepping into the car over the winter for the first time, I'm sure it is something that remains with you for probably the rest of your life.
"It's a childhood dream, when I was growing up myself, but for a lot of kids at the go-kart tracks in Germany Michael was our hero. At that time he was with Benetton but when we grew up he was still part of us. He moved to Ferrari, took a massive challenge on back then in 1996, got very close in the years before and then made it happen in 2000. I think since then every link you have, or whenever you think back, it's always Michael in the red car."
Vettel will partner Kimi Raikkonen, one of his friends in the paddock, at Ferrari next year and he is looking forward to working with the unassuming Finn.
"Yes," Vettel said when asked if he was looking forward to the partnership. "I think Kimi is the probably the least complicated driver on the grid. In terms of performance on the track I don't think there is a single person who doubts his skills, including myself. On a personal level it's very straightforward, I don't expect any complications because we have a good relationship but moreso I think we have a great respect for each other."
Red Bull signed Vettel when he was 12 years old and the four-time world champion says he leaves the team with only good memories, despite his winless 2014 campaign.
"I have a very, very good relationship with not just the team but the whole Red Bull family. Despite the odd contractual situation here and there and our position in the championship the relationship is far too good. I think it just felt like the right time."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
