‘Never Been Pampered’ – Sebastian Vettel Explains His F1 ‘Privilege’ Ahead of Aston Martin Switch

Sebastian Vettel has been one of the most successful Formula 1 drivers in recent years, having secured four championship titles and missed out on a couple more by a whisker. So, what is the secret behind such an incredible career?

Well, behind his success story stands the freedom he was provided with throughout his career in the sport. Apparently, Vettel never really needed or wished for much support from others as he has been leading his life entirely on his own.

What did Vettel say?

Speaking to Racer, the German opened up that he considers his ability to make his own decisions without any backing a “privilege.”

“I think one privilege – and I see it as a privilege – is that I always managed things on my own,” he said.

“I mean, I have people that are close and are helping me, don’t get me wrong. But I think I have never been pampered. I see that as a privilege. I can lead my life.”

Now, at the age of 33, that privilege managed to help him out when his career looked down and out. Following a painful and abrupt end with Ferrari, his championship titles helped him gain a seat in the returning F1 team, Aston Martin Racing.

Furthermore, nobody played a contribution in getting him that drive other than himself.

Always free to make my own decisions in Red Bull: Sebastian Vettel

Vettel revealed that despite being a Red Bull junior driver, he was still racing on his own, and never needed others to make the decisions for him.

“I know what to look out for and so on. And I don’t need to have people holding my hand,” he said. “So I think I won’t have a problem (moving). That was true for the Red Bull days, but also for the Ferrari days.

“Obviously, with Red Bull, it’s under the umbrella of the junior team that I grew up in, but within that umbrella, I think I was always free to make my own decisions. As I look back, I see that as a privilege.”

Ultimately, it looks like Vettel, all by himself, preferred to go to Aston Martin for the 2021 season.

Hence, the only big question is, has he made the right decision this time around? Will he manage to get back on his feet and chase after more championship victories? Well, only time will tell.