Sebastian Vettel is a highly accomplished German racing driver who competed in Formula One from 2007 to 2022.
He began his racing journey at a young age, excelling in karting and swiftly rising through the ranks to become the youngest Formula One World Champion in 2010.
Throughout his career, Vettel secured four consecutive world titles with Red Bull before moving to Ferrari and later Aston Martin.
His achievements include 54 victories, 133 podium finishes, and 59 pole positions in Formula One.
Known for his speed and skill, Vettel has received numerous accolades, such as the Rookie of the Year award and multiple driver of the year titles.
Despite his retirement from Formula One in 2022, he remains a prominent figure in motorsport, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the sport’s most successful drivers.
Net worth | $140 million |
Profession | Racing driver |
Date of birth | July 3, 1987 |
Nationality | German |
Background and early life
Vettel, born on July 3, 1987, in Heppenheim, Germany, began his racing journey at a young age, starting karting at three and racing in kart series at eight.
His talent was recognized early, leading to support from Red Bull Racing, which sponsored his karting career from age 12.
Vettel excelled in karting, winning numerous titles before transitioning to open-wheel racing.
He joined the Red Bull Junior Team in 1998 and achieved success in various series, such as the Formula Three Euro Series and the World Series by Renault.
In 2007, Vettel made his Formula One debut with BMW Sauber before moving to Toro Rosso and later Red Bull, where he secured four consecutive World Drivers’ Championship titles from 2010 to 2013, becoming the youngest F1 World Champion in history.
His early success and dedication to racing paved the way for his remarkable career in Formula One.
Net worth
Vettel’s net worth is estimated to be around $140 million as of 2023.
His wealth stems not only from his Formula One salary but also from his impressive car collection and endorsement deals with brands like Casio, Infiniti and Pepe Jeans.
Vettel’s financial success places him among the richest Formula One drivers, with a significant portion of his earnings coming from his career as a professional driver, where he earns around $15 million annually, excluding bonuses and sponsorships.
Despite his substantial net worth, he is known for being a private individual who prefers to stay away from the limelight and does not engage in social media platforms.
Salary and contracts
Vettel’s salary and contracts have been substantial throughout his Formula One career.
In 2024, Vettel earns a salary of £11,795,396 per year.
His current contract with Aston Martin in Formula One sees him earning $17,000,000 annually.
Over his career, Vettel has earned a total of $321,320,000, with significant earnings from his time with Red Bull and Ferrari, where his salary ranged from $6,000,000 to $60,000,000 per year.
Notably, he took a pay cut when he moved to Aston Martin in 2021, with his new salary being a third of what he earned at Ferrari.
Despite variations in his earnings over the years, Vettel’s contracts and salaries have consistently placed him among the highest-paid Formula One drivers, reflecting his success and value in the sport.
Career earnings
Vettel’s career earnings amount to a total of $338,320,000.
Throughout his Formula One journey, he has earned varying salaries and bonuses, starting from his early years with Toro Rosso and Red Bull to his time with Ferrari and Aston Martin.
Notably, Vettel’s earnings peaked during his tenure with Ferrari, where he earned between $30,500,000 and $60,000,000 annually.
Despite fluctuations in his earnings over the years, his career earnings reflect his success as a top Formula One driver, with significant financial rewards accompanying his achievements on the track.
Car collection
Vettel’s car collection is a reflection of his success and passion for automobiles.
The collection includes a variety of luxury and high-performance vehicles, showcasing his affinity for prestigious brands like Ferrari and Mercedes.
Some notable cars in Vettel’s collection are;
Ferrari F430: Vettel owns a cherry red Ferrari F430, a sports car known for its performance and design. This model, produced from 2004 to 2009, features a 4.3L V8 engine and a price tag of $217,318.
Ferrari California T: Another prized possession in his collection is the Ferrari California T, a luxurious sport-touring car introduced in 2014. This model, with a base price of $231,606, boasts a 3.9L twin-turbo V8 engine and advanced amenities.
Mercedes SL65 AMG: Vettel’s collection includes the Mercedes SL65 AMG, a grand touring car with a powerful V12 engine and distinctive features. This limited-edition vehicle, produced between 2008 and 2011, costs around $222,000.
Infiniti FX Vettel Edition: He also owns a limited edition Infiniti FX Vettel, a unique SUV created to commemorate his double World Championship victories.
This model, powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and showcases Vettel’s connection to the racing world.
Moreover, Vettel’s car collection extends beyond these models, featuring iconic Formula 1 cars like the Williams FW14B and the McLaren MP4/8.
His admiration for legendary vehicles, including the desire to add Michael Schumacher’s F2004 to his collection, underscores his appreciation for automotive history and excellence.
Real estate properties
Vettel’s real estate portfolio includes several impressive properties that reflect his success and taste for luxury.
One of his notable residences is a farmhouse estate in Thurgau Canton, Switzerland, valued at around $7 million.
This medieval-styled property offers Vettel a private and well-protected lifestyle, aligning with his preference for privacy.
The details of this glamorous estate remain relatively unknown due to his discreet nature, emphasizing his desire to maintain a low profile despite his high-profile career as a four-time Formula One world champion.
Moreover, Vettel has chosen to reside in Baar, Switzerland, with his childhood sweetheart Hanna Prater and their two daughters.
This decision showcases his grounded approach to living, opting for a relatively modest $7.05 million farmhouse in Baar over more extravagant locations like Monaco.
Vettel’s statement about Monaco, expressing that it’s not a place he finds appealing for an extended period, underscores his preference for a more serene and comfortable living environment.
By residing in Baar, his prioritizes a peaceful family life away from the glitz and glamour often associated with Formula One, highlighting his commitment to a balanced and fulfilling personal life alongside his illustrious racing career.
Karting career
Vettel’s karting career began at an incredibly young age, starting at just 3½ years old.
By the age of 8, he was already racing in kart series, showcasing his exceptional talent and passion for racing.
Vettel’s karting achievements include winning the German Junior Karting Championship, the Monaco Kart Cup, and the European Junior Karting Championship in 2001.
His success in karting laid the foundation for his remarkable journey through the ranks of motorsport, leading him to become one of the most successful Formula One drivers in history.
Vettel’s early exposure to karting and his rapid progression through the karting circuits played a crucial role in shaping his illustrious racing career.
Formula Three Euro Series
In the Formula 3 Euro Series, Vettel made his mark as a talented driver, notably finishing fifth overall in the 2005 season.
Despite being classified 5th, he showcased his potential by securing six podium finishes and emerging as the highest-placed rookie in the championship.
This achievement highlighted his skill and determination early in his career, setting the stage for his future success in motorsport.
The Formula 3 Euro Series served as a crucial platform for Vettel’s development as a driver, allowing him to compete against top talents and gain valuable experience in single-seater racing, ultimately propelling him towards a remarkable Formula One career.
World Series
Vettel began his 2007 season racing in the World Series by Renault before transitioning to Formula One.
His involvement in the World Series by Renault showcased his talent and potential as a young driver, setting the stage for his future success in motorsport.
Vettel’s journey through various racing series, including the World Series by Renault, Formula BMW and Formula Three Euro Series, highlighted his rapid progression and skill development as he climbed the ranks towards Formula One.
The experience gained during his time in the World Series by Renault and other racing categories played a crucial role in shaping Vettel’s career and laying the foundation for his remarkable achievements in Formula One.
Formula One debut
Vettel made his Formula One race debut at the 2007 US Grand Prix in Indianapolis.
During this race, he was substituting for the injured Robert Kubica.
Vettel’s impressive debut saw him qualify in seventh place and finish the race in eighth position, becoming the youngest driver at that time to score a championship point in Formula One. impressive debut saw him qualify in seventh place and finish the race in eighth position, becoming the youngest driver at that time to score a championship point in Formula One.
This marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would see Vettel achieve great success and become one of the most accomplished drivers in the history of Formula One.
Notable races
Vettel has had several notable races throughout his Formula One career.
One of these memorable races was the 2019 Canadian Grand Prix, where Vettel showcased his skill and determination.
Starting from pole position, Vettel led the race comfortably until a crucial moment on lap 48.
As he lost control of his Ferrari and went off track, rejoining in a manner that forced Lewis Hamilton to back off, the stewards penalized Vettel with a 5-second time penalty for unsafe re-entry and forcing another driver off the track.
Despite crossing the finish line first, the penalty demoted Vettel to second place, with Hamilton declared the race winner.
Vettel’s frustration was evident as he expressed his disagreement with the decision, highlighting the intense competition and emotions that characterize Formula One racing.
Helmet design
Vettel’s helmet designs are a blend of creativity, symbolism, and innovation, reflecting his personality and paying homage to his racing journey.
From the glitter helmet for the Singapore Night GP in 2010 to the chrome-coated head protection featuring the Ferrari horse and SV logo, Vettel’s helmets have evolved over the years.
The Vettel Monza helmet, with its retro look incorporating Italian, German, and Ferrari colors, showcases a nod to the past and a fusion of national pride and team loyalty.
In 2019, Vettel’s helmet design for the German Grand Prix emulated Bernd Schneider’s style, while the optical illusion of gray triangles in Belgium added depth and aerodynamic flair.
His helmets are not just protective gear but pieces of art, each telling a story and capturing the essence of his racing career through intricate designs and thoughtful details.
Sebastian Vettel vs Michael Schumacher
Vettel and Michael Schumacher, two iconic German Formula One drivers, share a deep connection beyond their nationality.
Vettel, a four-time world champion, idolized Schumacher, a seven-time world champion, during his formative years, with Schumacher serving as a significant inspiration for Vettel’s racing career.
Despite their different personalities, both drivers found success in non-traditional teams, with Schumacher starting at Jordan and Vettel at BMW Sauber and Toro Rosso before achieving greatness with Benetton and Red Bull, respectively.
Their retirements, a decade apart, were surprisingly due to similar reasons, reflecting a parallel in their career trajectories.
Furthermore, Vettel’s private nature, valuing the secrecy of his personal life, mirrors Schumacher’s approach, emphasizing their shared desire for privacy amidst the public spotlight of Formula One.
The bond between Vettel and Schumacher extended beyond racing, with Vettel becoming Mick Schumacher’s godfather, showcasing a deep-rooted friendship that transcended generations and racing eras.
The emotional connection between Vettel and Schumacher, evident in Vettel’s tributes and reflections on their relationship, highlights the profound impact Schumacher had on Vettel’s life and career, solidifying their enduring legacy in the world of Formula One.
Philanthropic efforts
Vettel is actively involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting various charitable causes and initiatives.
His philanthropy extends to organizations like Champions for Charity and United Charity, showcasing his commitment to giving back to the community.
Additionally, Vettel has participated in charity auctions, such as the Diversity Helmet Charity Auction, where all proceeds raised went towards improving the lives of children in Uganda and Togo.
His impact goes beyond financial contributions, as he serves as a role model for fellow drivers like Alex Albon, inspiring them to engage in charity work and make a positive difference in the world.
Vettel’s dedication to philanthropy is evident through initiatives like the Buzzin Corner, which aims to raise awareness of biodiversity issues by providing homes for bees at race tracks, highlighting his commitment to sustainability and environmental causes.
Through his charitable endeavors and advocacy for important issues like climate change and gender equality, Vettel continues to make a meaningful impact beyond the realm of Formula One, embodying the spirit of giving back and creating positive change in society.
Sebastian Vettel family
Vettel comes from a close-knit family. He was born on July 3, 1987, in Heppenheim, Germany, to Norbert and Heike Vettel.
He has two older sisters, Melanie, who works as a dental technician and Stefanie, who is a physiotherapist for disabled children.
Additionally, Vettel has a younger brother named Fabian, who is also a racing driver.
His family has been a significant source of support throughout his career, with his parents and siblings playing crucial roles in nurturing his passion for racing from a young age.
Moreover, Vettel is in a relationship with his childhood friend, Hanna Prater.
The couple has three children together, with their daughters named Emilie and Matilda.
Vettel’s strong family ties and the support of his loved ones have been instrumental in his journey to becoming one of the most successful Formula One drivers in history.