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In Pictures: Vettel’s rise to the top

It’s four years and four titles for Sebastian Vettel. We look back at how the German racer became the man to beat.

Abu Dhabi, 2010: In his second year at Red Bull, Sebastian Vettel became the youngest world champion in the history of Formula One. A week earlier in Brazil, Vettel and teammate Mark Webber also ensured Red Bull won their first F1 constructors(***) championship. A new era had began.

By Joanna Tilley

Published On 28 Oct 2013

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Vettel(***)s triumph at only 23 propelled him into the spotlight. Comparisons to seven-time German champion Michael Schumacher had started. Here he receives the German Athlete of the Year award alongside Joachim Loew, Philipp Lahm and biathlete Magdalena Neuner in December 2010.
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Canada, 2011: Not only was Vettel proving himself as a top racer but also as an almost unbeatable qualifier. The German was not able to beat Jenson Button to the top podium spot in Montreal, but he recorded his sixth pole in seven races at the Canadian circuit. This was making life very difficult for his rivals.
Japan, 2011: And so it proved that the comparisons with Schumacher were justified. Vettel sealed his second crown in Suzuka after a remarkable 15 poles, 11 victories and 17 podiums from 19 races. He also earned himself a record 392 points to became the world(***)s youngest double champion. Two titles, two fingers and twice as happy.
Singapore, 2012: Although it can be hard to imagine sometimes, Sebastian Vettel does not win every race. He went through quite the slump in 2012 but the nightrace in Singapore dragged him out of it. It was Vettel(***)s first win in 10 races, ending the double champion(***)s worst run since his maiden F1 victory. Despite the lack of top finishes, he was still in the race for another title.
Brazil, 2012: After Singapore, Vettel won the next three races but the season went down to the wire. Vettel waited until the last race of the season in Interlagos, and needed to overcome a first-lap crash, to seal his third consecutive title. The German finished the race sixth but that didn(***)t wipe the smiles off Red Bull(***)s faces as they once again dominated F1.
Malaysia, 2013: Sebastian Vettel extended his winning ways into 2013, but the season was controversial for the German. Vettel came under intense scrutiny, and lost many fans, after ignoring team orders during the Malaysian Grand Prix. 
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India, 2013: But Webber and Malaysia were momentarily forgotten as he clinched his fourth title with three races to go in India. It was another dominant display from Vettel who had won the last six races in a row. However, the effects of Malaysia were still being felt. Vettel admitted post-race to being hurt by fans who had taken to booing him. Well, Vettel, you can(***)t have it all!