Vettel has no problem with Webber for 2012

An always interesting union is that of an experienced and hardworking driver, like Mark Webber, and a young and talented driver, like Sebastian Vettel. This is what the Red Bull team has been offering since 2009. A rather fruitful alliance for the Austrian team, which has already brought 21 victories, 9 one-two finishes, and a constructor’s title. While the young German quickly gained the upper hand over his teammate in 2009 and this season, this was not the case in 2010, a season during which relations between the two men cooled considerably following, notably, their collision in Turkey and the controversy over the new front wing in Great Britain.

At a time when Mark Webber’s future is not entirely clear for 2012, pending the confirmation of his contract extension, Sebastian Vettel does not hide a certain preference for maintaining the status quo: « That suits me. I know the teammate issue is always a hot topic in the media, but as I said, it suits me. Nothing changes, so no need to get used to someone else. It’s not that I’m afraid of new things, but there is a kind of comfort in knowing well what you have! (laughs) We may not be the best of friends, but we get along very well when it comes to working for the team ».”

The reigning World Champion claims that the two men live in different worlds. But I don’t know if it’s that different from other teams. I would say it’s a completely normal relationship between teammates these days. A relationship that nevertheless contrasts with that of the two McLaren drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, which is rather warm despite intense battles and a collision in Canada.

« I think it’s pure sensationalism to interpret every little gesture or weigh every word. Obviously, there have been times when we disagreed, but that’s normal, and if it happens, we talk about it. In fact, I would say our relationship is very “unspectacular,” but that’s a situation nobody wants to hear about (laughs) ». In search of fierce duels, a part of the media indeed blew their track disputes out of proportion, well-assisted by the spontaneous reactions of each driver and Red Bull’s ambiguous handling of the two men.

This season, with an 85-point lead over his teammate runner-up, Vettel can take things as they come. He is rightfully the favorite to succeed himself. « Success is a puzzle, made up of so many small pieces that you have to put together. That’s what makes it so interesting to try again. I guess that’s why climbers return to Mount Everest – to make sure they haven’t lost anything ».