Marko: BMW's doubts about Vettel let Red Bull land a champion

Four-time Formula 1 (F1, the top global single-seater racing series) world champion Sebastian Vettel has described the start of his career and his route to Red Bull in the German broadcaster ARD's documentary "Being Sebastian Vettel". The film reveals that German carmaker BMW first promised him a place in the championship but ultimately backed out of the arrangement.

Debut and the unfulfilled promise

Vettel made his F1 debut at the 2007 United States Grand Prix in Indianapolis, replacing BMW Sauber driver Robert Kubica, who had suffered a serious crash at the Canadian Grand Prix the previous week. The German finished eighth and scored his first career point. In the second half of that season he was already starting races for Toro Rosso.

"I actually already had one foot in, because my contract with BMW said I would get a place in Formula 1. But it never happened," Vettel said. He recalled rumours in the team that he was not that fast or good, and said he could understand how that impression arose, since he needed some time before everything fell into place. In 2006 in Turkey he had set the fastest time in a Friday practice session.

Marko's view

Helmut Marko, Red Bull's former motorsport adviser, said in the film: "Thank God the people at BMW weren't convinced about Vettel's abilities, which meant we could get him." He said it became clear that Vettel had not only speed but also technical competence and a willingness to work hard.

Vettel said the decisive word came from Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who urged the team not to waste time debating and to give the young driver a chance.

Results

In 2008 Vettel won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the first victory for a Red Bull group team in F1 history. Marko explained that this result led to Vettel being moved up to the Red Bull team the following year, with which he won his first title in 2010. BMW had by then left the championship.