Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel was the child prodigy who became a four-time champion before turning twenty-seven. He debuted with BMW Sauber in 2007, scoring on his first race, and in 2008 gave Toro Rosso a historic win in the Monza rain, becoming the youngest winner in history at the time.

At Red Bull, alongside designer Adrian Newey, he forged a dynasty: four consecutive championships between 2010 and 2013. The first was sealed in the final race against Alonso and Webber; the last came after a closing run of nine straight wins. His single-lap dominance — 57 poles — and precision with the car made him lethal when the machinery was there.

His Ferrari spell (2015-2020) produced great races but no title, partly through his own errors in the decisive years. He retired in 2022 from Aston Martin, leaving an image very different from his youth: a thoughtful driver, committed to social and environmental causes, respected inside and outside the paddock.