F1: Third Title Would Be Incredible, Says Vettel

Formula 1

F1: Third Title Would Be Incredible, Says Vettel

The Austin GP will mark Sebastian Vettel's 100th Formula One start...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted November 15, 2012 Austin, TX

Sebastian Vettel speaks with reporters in Austin. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Sebastian Vettel was in a reflective mood Thursday as he pondered what a third World Championship would mean to him.

Vettel has a chance to not only become the youngest triple champion, but also only the third man to win three in a row, after Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher.

“I think it would be incredible,” said Vettel. “Obviously, it has been a very tough season, up and down I think for everyone. Extremely challenging, different to previous years in many ways. I think we learned a lot and did way less mistakes this year. We have a very competitive car, we’ve had one since the start of the season. Maybe sometimes not good enough to win, but still good enough to collect a lot of points.

“I think that put us in a very strong position and we are able to fight for the championship. Only two races to go, so whatever happens this weekend, before anything happens we have to make sure we get the maximum on Friday, on Saturday, because the points are there to grab on Sunday and not before. But for sure it would mean a lot, and probably difficult now to find the right words.”

Meanwhile, this weekend Vettel is celebrating his 100th GP, having coincidentally run his first in the USA in 2007 at Indianapolis.

“I remember my first race, obviously,” the German said. “I think you can’t forget. There are some positives, some negatives. I didn’t have the best start, and not the best first corner, but then it was quite an interesting race. And obviously a big challenge at the end of the race. I was physically destroyed, I remember that as well. And I knew that I had a lot to do – but I knew as well that’s what I want to do in the future.

“Sitting here 100 races later is quite crazy in a way. I think if the number gives you anything, it’s just that you don’t realize how quickly time goes by. I think it’s always like that when you do something you enjoy a lot. You don’t count the days and the months and the years going by. Looking back now, it doesn’t seem a long time ago but looking on the calendar, it’s five years ago.”

Vettel also made a somewhat reluctant apology for his now infamous use of the F-word on the Abu Dhabi podium.

“I think if you're sensitive, you should watch – I don't know – some kids program,” he said. “You have the remote control in your hand, so you can chose. Surely it wasn't intentional at the last race. I think it's a bit unnecessary to create such a big fuss but, anyway, if I said some things that weren't appropriate, then I apologize, but I think there's not a lot I have to do differently to succeed in that regard.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.