“People tend to call it domination, but I don’t like the word because it makes
things sounds easy,” said Vettel when questioned about the perceived
indifference from the general public.
“But if you look back at every single race it has been hard work for every
minute.
“There have been times when we’ve achieved great results by finishing on the
podium on days when we shouldn’t have.
“Of course, it’s a long season and you need to make sure you achieve 100 per
cent.
“If you are completely honest you can’t do that all the time, but you can get
close, and when you look back that feels great.
“To then get the results on the back of that is a great position to be in.
“Maybe for other people it lacks excitement, but not yourself because you know
how much hard work has been put in, along with everybody at the factory.
“Everybody knows how hard it has been to get the car where it is now and to
score the points we have.”
Team principal Christian Horner echoed Vettel’s sentiments as he said: “It’s
easy for people to become complacent and to suggest a Red Bull victory is
almost pre-ordained, but that’s not the case.
“Every race we go to is a challenge, and the satisfaction this year has been
seeing how the team has continued to develop and improve across all areas.
“That refers to the strategy, pit stops, the development Adrian (chief
technical officer Newey) and his team have delivered to the car at each
grand prix.”
Horner also highlighted the improvements Vettel has made with regard to his
skill as a driver, and that it has not been all about the car.
“The progress Sebastian has made, seeing him raise the bar again to the level
he has driven this year, has been absolutely magnificent,” added Horner.
“To have won 11 grands prix with two races still to go, with the consistency
and accuracy with which he has driven, it has been a pleasure to see and be
a part of.”