Candid Vettel uninterested in leaving behind 'a legacy'

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Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel says he doesn't care how or even if he'll be remembered once he hangs up his helmet and leaves his life in the fast lane behind.

With over fifty Grand Prix wins and multiple world titles under his name, Vettel's spot in motorsport's hall of fame is guaranteed, yet the German is indifferent to the legacy that shall one day be his.

"I don't care - I don't need a legacy," Vettel told Sky F1's Martin Brundle when asked how he wanted to be remembered.

"I think, especially nowadays, the world is moving so fast - I don't need to be remembered.

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"I'm not sad about it, it's good to move on. As much as I love tradition, and I'm a traditionalist, I'm against being stuck in a moment, or era.

"I think it's good to go on, it's good to go forward, we have to."

Indeed, Vettel's outlook on life very much deters him from looking in the rear view mirror. And the 31-year-old Ferrari driver hopes to keep that philosophy in the latter part of his existence.

"I hope that when I'm older, I'm progressive - moving forward and not looking back," he added.

"I think it's nice to look back on a career, but it's not the point of our lives, I guess. It's much more about looking forward."

Looking back however, Vettel admitted he never imagined he would reach his current level of success, but insisted his journey in F1 was far from over.

"I don't think you can even dream that big, to have achieved so much," he said.

"But as always, it doesn't stop there, you want more. In this regard, I am greedy, I want more, I want to win with Ferrari, to win the championship."

Asked by Brundle if he would trade one of his four Red Bull titles for a championship with Ferrari, the German dismissed that fantasy.

"Maybe I'm a bad dealer but I wouldn't because I'm convinced I can win with Ferrari," he said. "No need to trade!"

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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.