In Conversation - Bernie Ecclestone and Sebastian Vettel

In his long career in motorsport, Formula One Management CEO Bernie Ecclestone has met legions of drivers. Obviously, however, as F1 racing’s youngest-ever race winner, Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel is more than just ‘another driver’. The two men may be separated in years by over half a century, but as a joint interview at the Belgian Grand Prix revealed, when great minds think alike and when you have plenty in common, any age gap becomes irrelevant…

Q: Mr Ecclestone, when was the first time you took notice of a youngster called Sebastian Vettel?
Bernie Ecclestone: Me? I have never heard of him before! To be honest it was in Turkey in 2006. ‘Who is that Vettel?’ I thought to myself, and why is there again a German at the top of the time sheet?

Q: Can you remember when you gave him your hand for the first time?
BE: I never gave him anything - not even my hand. (laughing)
Sebastian Vettel: The first time I saw Bernie was in Imola in 2006 when I was there as a guest. The real introduction was then in Turkey.

Q: How was that for you?
SV: Gee, there he was, Mr Formula One, the big boss, the legend. Formula One is Bernie and Bernie is Formula One.
BE: At the beginning I didn’t know what Sebastian is made off. I generally take notice of them when they start winning. He reminded me of Kimi (Raikkonen). He also appeared out of nowhere and had only a provisional super license. Kimi, Lewis (Hamilton) and Sebastian meant a threat for others because of their age.

Q: Bernie, do you think Sebastian made the right choice in signing with Red Bull Racing for another two years?
BE: Yes, absolutely. The team is very professional, Sebastian is happy there and the team supports him in anything he’s doing.

Q: Does he really not need a manager?
BE: No, what for? There is no reason to share your money with somebody else. And one day if he gets married that will happen automatically. Fact is, we have a great relationship and when Sebastian has any questions I am always there to help.

Q: Do you see a future world champion in Sebastian?
BE: Yes. I just wonder what takes him so long. Had they introduced my medal system his chances this year would be even bigger.
SV: Ah, there are still points I have to make good…

Q: Bernie, if you could be 22 again, what would you do first?
BE: I would try to find an 18-year-old girlfriend! (laughs)
SV: Why 18?
BE: Why not? It should be allowed at my age to dream sometimes. My advice for you: do everything that means fun for you - especially as lady luck is a bit blind towards you…
SV: I don’t believe in luck or bad luck. You have to be at the right place at the right time…
BE: But sometimes the chips fall your way, sometimes they don’t. Think of Felipe Massa last year: with a little bit of luck he would have been world champion and not Lewis.
SV: Yeah, that’s right.


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Source: The Official Formula 1 Website