Sebastian Vettel has the potential to dominate Formula One even further this season and take a third consecutive world title with ease, Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has warned.
“He still has great potential ahead of him because his experience, his consistency and his domination in different situations will be given free rein,” Mateschitz said in a interview with Speedweek magazine.
“His focus in qualifying was already part of his strength but he’s going to be even stronger in competition because he knows the complexity of his sport even better now.”
After their latest world double – drivers and constructors titles – and despite a change in the Formula One rules, Mateschitz believes Red Bull will again be the team to beat in 2012.
He also expects an even fiercer battle between Vettel and veteran Australian teammate Mark Webber, 35.
“It’s important for the team that the duo are quick and fight on an equal footing,” said Mateschitz.
Vettel, 24, won his second world title with 11 wins, a record 15 pole positions and a 122-point winning margin over second-placed Briton Jenson Button, with Webber third.