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Sebastian Vettel was the very first Red Bull driver to bring a world championship back to Milton Keynes, and ended his tenure with the team as a four-time world champion. However, the F1 legend has recently revealed what was “a bit of a shame” during his most successful years.
Before Max Verstappen took Red Bull to the highest of heights in Formula 1, Sebastian Vettel had already taken them there several years before.
The German driver unleashed one of the most dominant periods of F1’s modern era, snatching four world championships in a row to round out the naturally aspirated V8 era.
In fact, Helmut Marko believes Vettel could, and should, have won five during his stint at the Austrian constructor, previously highlighting some mistakes as the reason why they weren’t able to catch up to Jenson Button and Brawn GP in 2009.
Vettel’s records have since been surpassed by Verstappen, but his legacy lives on as the first driver to bring a title home for Dietrich Mateschitz. However, there are some regrets that the 38-year-old has, in hindsight.
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Sebastian Vettel opens up on what was ‘a bit of a shame’ during his most successful period in F1
During an interview with Entrepreneur Middle East, the four-time world champion was asked if his title count was enough for him, or if he regrets not adding more to his tally throughout the rest of his career in F1.
Vettel replied, “Well, my dream was always one, and then naturally, you just go again, and there’s the next race.
“It was a bit of a shame because you don’t enjoy the moment so much because the next race is coming and you’re so focused on doing it again.
“But then, later in my career, I realised that I had the privilege of [competing in] so many races and working with very gifted people.
“For sure, the trophies and the championships are one thing and it’s what people rate as success, but I think later on, you sort of redefine what success means.
“I’ve not left any burning bridges, I’ve made a lot of friends, and I had great experiences with people.
“It’s those stories that really make you who you are rather than what you did and what you achieved in a certain moment.”
Vettel previously shared that his biggest regret in F1 was not realising his influence sooner, and has since gone into the field of activism and philanthropy following his retirement from an active racing career.
- READ MORE: Daniel Ricciardo once chose between Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel after partnering both
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Sebastian Vettel was linked with a Red Bull return following Helmut Marko’s departure in 2025
Following the announcement of Marko’s departure from Red Bull after over 20 years of service, Vettel was actually rumoured to be the man to replace the Austrian as the head of the F1 outfit’s development programme.
It would have been an interesting role for the four-time world champion, given his experience in the sport and his own personal development as a driver as his career progressed.
Once seen as an arrogant competitor, the public’s affection for Vettel increased as the years went on, with him eventually retiring as one of the most beloved figures on the grid at the end of the 2022 season.
Unfortunately, a rekindling with his former team wasn’t to be, with Marko theorising that Vettel lacked enough ‘support’ for the move to come to fruition.
He continues to make his mark on the world by pursuing various charitable ventures across the world, with an appearance at a Grand Prix now and again.
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