Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner feels Sebastian Vettel has become "the complete driver" despite failing to land last year's World title.
Vettel finished runner-up to Jenson Button, pushing the Briton all the way to the penultimate grand prix in Brazil after the 30-year-old had made his stunning start with six wins in the opening seven races.
As far as Vettel is concerned there is only one objective this season which starts in Bahrain on Sunday, and that is to go a step further by becoming champion.
Horner believes last season's near-miss could be the making of the 22-year-old German, strengthening not only his resolve, but also his character.
"Sebastian has all the makings of a champion," said Horner. "It's still very early to say, and ultimately he has to go out and do it. But he is a very intelligent driver, tremendously talented, has a high work ethic, and is a very dedicated and focused individual. Most of all, he is a nice guy as well, a very popular member of the team because he is very down to earth. Success hasn't changed him. His rise to stardom has been meteoric so far, and he is improving, evolving and growing. He is a remarkable character, but I see a very hungry and determined young man. Now with two full years' experience and a Championship campaign under his belt, I think he goes into this year pretty much the complete driver."
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has made no secret of his admiration for Vettel, someone he would love to see crowned champion.
"Bernie has really warmed to him," added Horner. He appreciates his cheeky personality, and he is very quick-witted like Bernie, which isn't a normal trait for a German. He is very un-Germanic. He understands British humour brilliantly. He'll regularly watch Monty Python, Little Britain and Harry Enfield sketches, and he is a very good mimic. With Bernie, he likes the way Sebastian drives, and he likes the way he handles himself. He is always willing to sign autographs, and as an ambassador for Formula One, he is fantastic."
Much is likely to be made of Vettel's potential rivalry with seven-times champion Michael Schumacher, who returns to the sport after three years in retirement.
Although nicknamed 'Baby Schumi', Horner is confident Vettel will be himself and not succumb to a sorceror's apprentice role.
"He was still in nappies when Michael was making his grand prix debut," said Horner. "They are different characters. Sebastian is Sebastian, his own man, and he will continue to grow into being his own person. He is not a mini-Schumi. He has a great deal of respect for Michael and what he has achieved, and off track they are good friends. But on track he will race him as hard as any other competitor."
Source: Planet F1
