Abu Dhabi: Three-time winner Sebastian Vettel felt humbled that he is closing in on several records that are currently standing in the name of his childhood hero Michael Schumacher.
After sealing a record-equalling fourth consecutive drivers’ championship in India last week — taking him level with Juan Manuel Fangio and Schumacher — Vettel on Sunday powered his way to a third win in five years at the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for his seventh consecutive race win and 11th overall this season.
Should the young German win the last two races in Austin and Sao Paulo, he will tie Schumacher’s career-best mark of 13 wins in a single season and Alberto Ascari’s record of nine consecutive victories.
“Any kind of record involving Michael Schumacher takes my breath away. I’ve grown up watching him win in what looked liked each and every race when I was a child. And now that I am nearly doing the same can be quite humbling,” Vettel said.
“Most often from the outside people do not see the challenges involved. But one has to be prepared every time to go out there and nail it. If you ask me, the numbers are not that important, but to equal what he [Schumacher] has achieved makes me very, very proud and I am old enough to realise this,” the 26-year-old added.
Only Schumacher (2004) and Ascari (1952 and 1953) have achieved seven or more wins on the trot in Formula One.
“To win seven in a row is difficult and special at the same time. Michael dominated with a strong car and a strong team spirit. So this is special for me and the whole team. We thought it would be difficult to repeat the success of 2011, but apparently it has come again,” Vettel said.
His third win in five years in Abu Dhabi was also his 37th career win from 118 starts. This was also Renault’s RS27 engine’s 50th race win, making it the second most successful engine of all-time behind the Ford DVF that powered 154 victories between 1967 and 1983.
Sunday’s win also took Vettel into fifth place in the all-time list of races led with 63.
“The atmosphere was fantastic. There were so many German flags. My mum and dad were here and it is fantastic to have your whole family here. So this race was so special in more ways than one,” Vettel said.
