Mika: Vettel can be champion

Former F1 star hails German driver as highlight of 2008 season

Last updated: 2nd January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Mika: Vettel can be champion

Vettel: Tipped for title

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Mika Hakkinen believes that Sebastian Vettel has the potential to be a world champion - and sooner rather than later.

The 21-year old impressed many last season for Scuderia Toro Rosso, recording his maiden race win at the Italian Grand Prix.

Former F1 champion Hakkinen has certainly taken notice of the German's performances and believes it is only a sign of better times to come.

The Finn feels Vettel, who will turn out for Red Bull Racing in 2009, was the highlight of the last campaign, showing maturity beyond his tender years.

Future champion

"Sebastian Vettel has what it takes to become a Formula 1 world champion one day," he told Laola1.

"He is still extremely young but exceptionally fast. He will certainly win the title somewhere in the next few years.

"Vettel was the highlight of the 2008 season I think. He really surprised everyone with his pace. I'm especially surprised to see what a matured driver he already is at his age."

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