Sebastian Vettel | Young German hot shot Sebastian Vettel's career profile

Sebastian Vettel

Team: Red Bull Racing
F1 Debut: 2007 - United States Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel's first taste of Formula One was behind the wheel of a BMW, but his entire junior career was funded by Red Bull. Of all the young drivers that have had the Austrian company's support, Vettel is easily the most talented.

The German won his local Formula BMW series and raced strongly in the European F3 championship before earning a testing role with BMW in 2006. That became a racing role in 2007 when Robert Kubica missed a Grand Prix, and later a more permanent position with Scuderia Toro Rosso when Scott Speed was sacked. He won a race with Toro Rosso the following year and has since been with the factory Red Bull team.

Sebastian's first victory in 2008 was one of the great underdog stories in F1. Toro Rosso had been able to score occasional points throughout the season but did not have a car that was capable of reaching the podium. When the rain fell at Monza, Vettel's driving skill triumphed over any mechanical disadvantage and he became the youngest winner in the sport's history. Had the race been dry there is no way his car would have been able to win.

Sebastian Vettel claimed four race victories in 2009 and finished second in the championship, so will be hoping to go one better in 2010.

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