Abu Dhabi: Sebastian Vettel said memories of two successive wins at the Yas Marina Circuit came flooding back when he took a stroll around the track yesterday.
But the youngest Formula One champion was cautious on his hat-trick bid at this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
"When I walked the circuit in the morning, you have all sorts of memories coming back," he said. "I'm very happy and proud to be here. So, this year, we hope to continue the way we have done."
Commenting on his hat-trick chance, the Red Bull driver said: "I would love to. There is still a long way to go to for that. There is a lot of work that needs to go in.
"We need to prepare a better car on Friday and try and get everything we can into the one lap on Saturday and then we need to have a very good race on Sunday. It is 55 laps and we have a long way to go."
There was no hint of complacency despite having the drivers' and constructors' titles sewn up.
"It will be wrong to approach the last two races and say that 2011 doesn't matter and we are looking to 2012," Vettel said. "Because by doing that, we will lose something along the way.
Rhythm
"In the end, you have 19 race and 19 chances to learn something, to get into a certain routine, a rhythm.
"Every race gives you chance to teach you some lessons. And if you don't pay attention, you will never learn these lessons.
"Surely, you cannot bring the 2012 car now. It would be a bad time. So, next year's car will be different. You can learn a lot of things by just doing your normal work and normal preparation."
Revealing his mature side, Vettel said: "It is not just about records. It is about every little thing that it takes.
"It will be wrong to say that I want to beat this record or that record if it possible.
"I can think of a lot of sportspersons who can be a motivation, an inspiration. Michael Schumacher is a great sportsman, a great driver no doubt.
"But also looking at other sports — guys like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Tiger Woods — there is something extra about these people.
"This something extra is what it is all about to reach the top and stay there.
"Speak to those guys and they will tell you how much it takes. It doesn't just come to you or happen to you. In the end, whoever wins races or championships, deserve to do so.
"Sometimes, you might differ but someone who is harder creates his own luck. Sometimes, he is the lucky guy and gets away with it. There is always a reason and the winner usually deserves to win."
