Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel today became only the fourth driver in the history of Formula One to win four world titles or more but the German said the realisation of joining the elite list of F1 legends is yet to sink in.
Starting from the pole, Vettel drove an impeccable race to conquer the Indian Grand Prix for the third consecutive time at the Buddh International Circuit here today. Mercedes' Nico Rosberg finished second ahead of Lotus driver Romain Grosjean.
By virtue of this win, Vettel has already sealed the world championship title with three more races to go. The German driver has now joined countrymate Michael Schumacher (7 titles), Brazilian Juan Manuel Fangio (5 titles) and Frenchman Allan Prost (4 titles) who have four or more world titles to their credit.
"It is very difficult to understand. I was watching F1 on TV when Fernando (Alonso) started racing. Now he is my strongest opponent. Four titles are only a number for me. Now my goal is to win five titles," Vettel said at the post-race press conference.
"Michael Schumacher came and he had a dominant car. It is incredible that he managed to score more championships than all the true legends. So to finish with people like them is amazing. But I am way too young to understand. Probably, when I will be 60 may be I will realise. It is difficult to realise something than no one can take away from you," an emotional Vettel said.
After winning the race, Vettel bowed in front of his car on the tarmac of the Buddh International Circuit and the Red Bull driver said the gesture was an appreciation for his car and teammates.
"It was just an appreciation for the car, for the team. It was pretty special. We work throughout the year to make that car faster. It's team effort at the end of the day. The work the mechanics put in the car it was just an appreciation for that," he said.
