With four world titles under his belt, you would imagine that Sebastian Vettel has life pretty much sorted. But what exactly does it take to keep the Ferrari star happy? To find out, we quizzed him about those everyday indispensables...
What are the essential elements of your pre-race routine?
Sebastian Vettel: A good pee. Otherwise you are under pressure in the race! (laughs)
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Ferrari SF15-T at Formula One World Championship, Rd6, Monaco Grand Prix Practice, Monte-Carlo, Monaco, Thursday 21 May 2015.
Passion and elbows - and smartness...
Vettel on the essential qualities of an F1 racer
What are the essential ingredients of a good night out?
SV: Drinks and good company - especially if you have something to celebrate.
What essential items must you have in your driver’s room/motorhome at a race?
SV: A good bed: as simple as that. Anything else I can arrange myself.
What essential items must you always have in your fridge at home?
SV: Milk. I like to drink cold milk.
What are the essential qualities of a good F1 team mate?
SV: Respect and honesty.
Your essential tip for avoiding stress at airports?
SV: Don’t be in a rush. I am always in a rush, so have not experienced that fully for myself - I am still an apprentice! (laughs)
What are the essential qualities of an F1 driver?
SV: Speed - it helps a lot. And, of course, talent - if it comes together with speed. Passion and elbows - and smartness.
What is essential to help you wind down after a race?
SV: Being at home with my family.
Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel (GER) Ferrari on the rollercoaster at Ferrari World at Formula One World Championship, Rd19, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Preparations, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Thursday 26 November 2015.
Respect and honesty.
Vettel's essentials in an F1 team mate
What are the essential elements of a great racing circuit?
SV: Very simple: history. Because all the old tracks have that certain moment of magic. Take Spa or Monza.
What app is it essential to have on your phone?
SV: I don’t think any of them are ‘essential’. And to be honest, I use the phone mostly as a phone…
What are the essential qualities of a team boss?
SV: That he can make sure that he is the boss. Otherwise the mice will start to play…
What are your essential requirements at a hotel?
SV: Again, a really good bed. And a good pillow. I like sleeping! And a bit of space is a nice add-on.
What is the essential Grand Prix every fan should attend at least once in their lifetime?
SV: Monaco.
What are your essentials for a good night’s sleep?
SV: To be tired. Yes, sometime that is difficult - to get tired - but I am not too bad at it.
What are the essential items you must have with you while travelling?
SV: Passport. Everything else you can buy on the way if necessary.
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Ferrari SF15-T at Formula One World Championship, Rd11, Belgian Grand Prix, Race, Spa Francorchamps, Belgium, Sunday 23 August 2015.
History - because all the old tracks have that certain moment of magic.
Vettel on his must-haves in an F1 circuit
What is essential to help you wake up in the morning?
SV: Daylight.
What is the essential corner in F1 racing?
SV: The Esses at Suzuka.
What are the essential parts of your training regime?
SV: Discipline - in whatever you do, whether it is running or cycling or swimming.
What is the personal quality most essential for success in F1 racing?
SV: Speed.
What is your essential tip for the aspiring F1 driver?
SV: Passion.
