Sebastian Vettel has the utmost respect for Fernando Alonso, a driver that achieved in his F1 career something that the four-time world champion did not believe was possible at the time.
Vettel and Alonso have enjoyed many good battles over the years, sparring for race wins and the world title at the start of the previous decade.
At the time, the pair's rivalry was often described as tense, but the truth is that both great champions hold each other in high esteem, even as they duke it out today in F1's midfield.
"I like racing against him," Vettel told Spain's Marca. "In the first race this year, when Fernando came back, we had a wheel-to-wheel fight and I was smiling in the cockpit because I'm looking forward to more this year and I think we've had a few already.
"I think I always enjoyed fighting with Fernando."
Vettel was still racing in the junior ranks when Alonso enjoyed his first F1 triumph, a milestone achievement that the German watched on TV at the time, as a mere fan.
"During the race at the Hungaroring in 2003 I was sitting in front of the TV and I remember watching him," he added.
"I think his talent is unquestionable, his skills on the track are some of the greatest the sport has ever seen."
But it was another outstanding accomplishment by the Spaniard that eventually generated Vettel's admiration for his peer.
"Alonso did something I thought was impossible to do, beating Schumacher," Vettel recalled.
"When I was growing up Michael was the best, the number one, and it seemed impossible to beat him.
"Fernando started beating him, so I think it was a great achievement. And of course, he's had a long career and in many different cars, so I consider it a pleasure to race alongside him and compete against him on the track."
As far as Alonso is concerned, every feeling expressed by Vettel is mutual.
"Honestly, there is a lot of respect between us," said the Alpine driver. "We have fought hard sometimes on track and we’ve fought for some championships as well.
"All of those were on Seb’s side, from 2010 to 2013, but still I think we show this respect when we meet each other on track.
"It’s not only what you see on Sundays, there are a lot of things happening on Fridays and Saturdays and I consider it a privilege to share the track with most of the guys here in F1, but especially with guys like Seb."
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