Rational Vettel scoffs at favourable stats and predictions

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Don't tell Sebastian Vettel about how he's two opening wins this season have statistically set him up to clinch the world title this year.

Looking back at Formula 1's history, never since 1982 has the winner of the first two Grands Prix of the season not gone on to be crowned champion.

The rational and smart German driver is dismissing the numbers however.

"I don't believe in all those things," Vettel said. "Sometimes they work for you, sometimes against.

"We have a very, very long season ahead of us. It's clear that we need to improve. I think the three top teams and six drivers are very, very close to each other.

"Even if the first two races went amazingly for us, for others maybe not so much, there's still a long, long way and a lot of things that can happen," he added.

While he won F1's curtain-raiser in Melbourne, Vettel admitted that his level of confidence in his new SF71-H was not where he wanted it to be.

However, subsequent set-up work conducted on his mount before Bahrain improved his feel, as his impeccable drive at Sakhir demonstrated.

"I had more confidence in the car, a better feel," he admitted.

"Shanghai is completely different, quite a bit cooler, but if we do like Bahrain and find the sweet spot, I'm pretty confident we can do well."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.