F1 Throwback: Vettel Nothing Short Of Amazed After His First Ever Test With BMW Sauber in 2006

At the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix, a 19-year-old Sebastian Vettel drove a Formula One car for the very first time. Since then, there was no looking back for the German, who is one of the most decorated F1 drivers in the sport’s history.

Vettel is a four-time champion who is currently competing in his 14th full season in F1 with Aston Martin. Although the German has come a long way from his first test with BMW Sauber, a recent tweet brought back memories of that day in Istanbul.

An ‘excited’ Sebastian Vettel impressed during practice in the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix

Vettel was a test driver for the BMW Sauber team in the 2006 F1 season. At the Turkish Grand Prix, the team gave the German an opportunity to test the car in the practice sessions on Friday, August 25th, 2006.

Vettel wasted no time in grabbing the opportunity, topping the timesheets in the second practice session. Although the German had to wait another year to get compete in his first race, he couldn’t contain his joy in the post-session interview.

Vettel said, “It was amazing, it was unbelievable! I mean, I can’t even find the words to describe it because the feeling I got, especially in the first lap was just something really new.”

The German also spoke passionately about the car, detailing every little bit of his first-ever experience. “At the beginning, it was about shifting at the right point, not too late because of the massive power of the engine,” said Vettel.

“Over the straight it’s just acceleration like hell, it was unbelievable, as well as the braking. After some laps, I got some confidence and then I just got to know what the brake could do, and it was amazing! The deceleration as well, it was just as if somebody kicks you in the head. It’s amazing!”

READ MORE: F1 Throwback: When a Young Sebastian Vettel Met Idol Michael Schumacher

How is Vettel faring this season?

Although Vettel struggled in the first four races this season, the German has been resurgent after strong performances in Monaco and Baku. After finishing P5 in the Principality, he claimed his first podium with Aston Martin in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

With the French Grand Prix inching closer, the German will look to continue his resurgence in Le Castellet. His performances will be the key for Aston Martin to stay competitive in the intense midfield battle.

WATCH STORY: When F1 Drivers Had a Blast on Top Gear Featuring Hamilton, Vettel & Ricciardo