As Curtains Close On Sebastian Vettel’s Career- This Is the Man Behind the Legacy of the 4x F1 Champion

Sebastian Vettel is officially retiring from Formula One by the end of this season after a train of rumors engulfed the four-time world champion amid Aston Martin’s fall from glory. But, does the German have anything left to prove? Not at all!

Of course, some might suggest otherwise, but, hear us out, nonetheless; Not only is Vettel the owner of four championship trophies but also the only driver to embrace dominant stints at world-class teams like Ferrari and Red Bull. What’s more, Vettel has also engaged in stellar rivalries with fellow champions like Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, Kimi Raikkonen, and others.

Hence, regardless of his miserable stint with Aston Martin, Vettel can walk away from the sport with his head held high. Subsequently, one might wonder, who could be the primary reason behind the German’s monumental racing career? Indeed, Vettel has always idolized fellow German and seven-time world champion, Michael Schumacher.

Read More: After 14 Years On Track, Sebastian Vettel Finally Hangs His Helmet as F1 Fans Grieve Retirement Announcement

However, here’s something interesting. There is someone who was far more valuable in his life – the man who ignited the much-yearned spark in Vettel’s 14-year F1 spell; Gerhard Noack.

How the champion hunter recognized Sebastian Vettel

Noack was part of a local go-kart club in a small German town called Kerpen where he initially came across Michael Schumacher. The man, known for his talent hunt, instantly recognized Schumacher’s potential and played a crucial role in bridging a path to competitive racing series. “I got to know the Schumacher family, the father, and mother,” he then told CNN.

“That’s when I first really found out about kart sport. That way I also met Michael Schumacher, and I enjoyed it so much, us both being in motorsport, that I stuck with it.”

Noack then went on to identify more such talents, but, the one driver, according to him, that had a far bigger impact, was Vettel.

Watch Story: Youngest F1 drivers of all-time

“

There are many great race drivers that all came from this club but Sebastian was the first one where I felt a special connection. He’s got something that Michael has too, a very special personality, great will, and a lot of talent, and that led me to decide to look after him in that way.“

Overall, 2023 could well be the first time in decades that the grid might miss a German driver.

Vettel held the fort for 6 years following the departure of Nico Rosberg. However, with Vettel’s official announcement in mind, the world now awaits, what next? Which star from Germany will take over Vettel’s baton?