Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel has been hailed as ‘the new Schumacher’, and with good reason. Since making his Formula 1 debut in 2007, Sebastian has proved as lightning fast as the seven-times champion, emerging in 2009 as a title contender in his first year with Red Bull. Out of the cockpit, Vettel is more open and relaxed than his famous predecessor. And nothing, not even leading at Monza in the pouring rain to win the 2008 Italian Grand Prix, phases him. That remarkable victory – Vettel’s junior Scuderia Toro Rosso beating the big brother Red Bull to its first win – was the first of many. Wins in China, Britain, Japan and Abu Dhabi in 2009 have left Vettel ideally placed to take the next step towards seven-times title stardom – that first crown.

Stats to start of 2010

World championship titles: 0
Race wins: 5
Poles: 5
Fastest laps: 3
Debut season: 2007 (BMW-Sauber)
Total points: 125
Total races: 43