Sebastian Vettel discloses the reasons behind BMW's lack of interest in him, contrasting it with Red Bull's eagerness to sign him.
Sebastian Vettel has shared insights into his formative years in Formula 1 in the new ARD documentary Being Sebastian Vettel – detailing how the German automaker BMW initially backed him before eventually parting ways.
The four-time F1 world champion remarked: "Ultimately, the whole BMW saga didn’t unfold as we had hoped. […] I actually had a foot in the door because my contract with BMW promised me a seat in Formula 1. But that never truly came to fruition."
At least not beyond his initial outings: Vettel made his F1 debut during a Grand Prix weekend in Friday practice at the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul, immediately recording the fastest time.
In 2007, he also made his Grand Prix debut for BMW Sauber. With regular driver Robert Kubica sidelined due to injury, reserve driver Vettel stepped in for the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis – and earned his first world championship point right away.
Reasons BMW questioned Vettel's capabilities
But that was the extent of it: BMW allowed Vettel to depart. Discussing the rationale in the new television documentary, Vettel explained: "During my stint at Sauber, there was this 'rumor' circulating that Sebastian wasn't particularly fast or skilled. And yes, I can understand how people might have come to that conclusion. Perhaps there was some truth to it, in a sense, because I needed some time for everything to click."
"Then the entire situation shifted because, on BMW's side, I wouldn't say there was a lack of interest, but there simply wasn't the same enthusiasm behind it."
What he needed was a clear direction: "Here's your seat. Next year we'll do this, the following year we’ll do that."
Sebastian Vettel, BMW Sauber F1.07
How Vettel secured his Formula 1 chance with Toro Rosso
Vettel discovered that very opportunity within the Red Bull setup: Mere weeks after making his Formula 1 debut for BMW Sauber, he transitioned to a full-time role with Toro Rosso.
Former Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko stated in the new Vettel documentary: "Thank goodness the individuals at Sauber weren’t fully convinced of Vettel's abilities, which allowed us to sign him. And then it became apparent that he wasn’t just fast, but also technically adept and willing to put in the necessary effort."
According to Vettel, his transition from BMW Sauber to Toro Rosso was ultimately a decision made at the highest levels of Red Bull: "In the end, Dietrich Mateschitz insisted and said: 'Let’s not dwell on this for too long. Give the kid a chance. If it works, fantastic. If it doesn't, so be it.'"
Vettel's 2008 Monza triumph as a pivotal moment
Just how well that opportunity paid off became evident a little over a year after Vettel joined Toro Rosso: He achieved a remarkable victory at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix in Monza – the first F1 win for a team under the Red Bull umbrella.
In the Vettel documentary, Lewis Hamilton commented: "I think that was a truly defining moment, demonstrating that this guy has what it takes to become a world champion."
Marko added that "it was because of that success that we brought him to Red Bull the following year".
Franz Tost, Team Principal, Scuderia Toro Rosso, Dietrich Mateschitz and Sebastian Vettel, Toro Rosso STR03 Ferrari, 1st position, celebrate
There, Vettel also achieved the team’s inaugural victory in Formula 1 history – before clinching his first world championship in 2010. By that time, BMW had already exited Formula 1.
Vettel recognized that a "certain degree of luck" had played a role in how his career progressed.
"Having the right people around at the right moment, the right circumstances unfolding, and so forth. But you still need to deliver the right performance. And I believe a lot of what we consider luck is actually within your own control."
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