BMW motorsport boss Mario Theissen has insisted he has no regrets over his decision to let Sebastian Vettel go.
BMW Sauber boss insists he made the right decision
BMW motorsport boss Mario Theissen has insisted he has no regrets over his decision to let go Formula One's new star Sebastian Vettel.
Theissen gave Vettel his big break two years ago by signing him to replace Robert Kubica as BMW Sauber's test and reserve driver.
Vettel then amply demonstrated his promise when given a race debut in place of Kubica in last year's United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis.
With the Pole deemed unfit to drive after suffering concussion in his heavy accident in the Canadian Grand Prix the previous weekend, Vettel went on to finish the race in eighth place.
He therefore became the youngest driver in F1 history to score a World Championship point at the age of 19 years and 349 days.
However, just a few weeks later, Theissen let Vettel leave for Toro Rosso and a full-time race seat as a replacement for the departed Scott Speed.
At the time, Theissen said the move from a manufacturer-backed outfit to F1's smallest team would enable Vettel to develop in a less pressured environment.
The German responded with a number of eye-catching performances coming prior to his stunning win in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.
In taking the chequered flag at Monza, Vettel set another record to become the youngest driver to win an F1 race, aged 21 years and 74 days.
Explaining the move to let his protege go, Theissen said: "At the time it was the right decision.
"It's been the perfect move for him in order for him to develop without too much pressure, and I think he will do very well in the future.
"But I've no regrets because a year ago it wasn't possible to put him in our car.
"He was very inexperienced, and you cannot gamble. It was much more important to give him the chance to develop in a team like Toro Rosso.
"He will now continue to develop there for a few years, and then we will see what will happen. He is so young, he can do a lot."
Vettel is moving again at the end of the year, albeit to Toro Rosso's 'senior' team Red Bull.
Unexpected
Theissen conceded that Vettel's win was unexpected, adding: "It has surprised me, as did his pole in qualifying.
"But on Saturday evening I said if it was a wet race then he could win it, and that is what he did.
"The team has far exceeded expectations. It's great for them, but also great for the sport, and what Sebastian has achieved is unbelievable."
With regard to his own team, Theissen has now vowed to put all of their resources into helping Kubica win the drivers' title.
He climbed from 11th on the grid to finish third on Sunday, in the process closing the gap to 14 points on Championship leader Lewis Hamilton.
"He will get every support we can give him, and I hope that will lead to a few more good results," added Theissen.
"He is still in there. What we saw in Sunday's race shows anything is possible, and if there is a chance we will grab it.
"We're in a good position."
