Sebastian Vettel remembers what it was like to carry the title of 'reigning world champion' into an F1 season for the very first time, and the German reckons Max Verstappen will be "boosted, not burdened" by the privilege.
Verstappen's run to the 2021 title with Red Bull, which concluded with a dramatic and controversial shootout with arch-rival Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi, delivered its first F1 world crown to the Netherlands.
In recognition of his achievement, Verstappen has chosen to drop his signature #33 race number for this year and opted to race with a #1 emblazoned on his Red Bull RB18.
Vettel was the last driver before Verstappen to enjoy that privilege.
"To be honest, it was a long time ago for me!" joked the four-time world champion, who heads into his second season with Aston Martin.
"What I remember – I think it’s a boost, it takes a lot of weight, in a way, off your shoulders. But it’s a great feeling to start the season as world champion.
"You have the number one on your car, so it’s a privilege. I think we would all like to be in that position.
"It can only be one of us, and yes, I didn’t see it as an extra burden. If anything, it was a boost. So, I think he will probably feel the same. But then, everybody is different."
Fellow F1 veteran Fernando Alonso also had the privilege of carrying F1's most sought-after single-digit number, in 2006 and in 2007.
And the Alpine charger reckons Verstappen will be less pressured this season and will perhaps even have more fun as F1's reigning world champion.
"I think if anything you will have less pressure because you've already accomplished one of your dreams," said Alonso. "And from now on it’s more fun.
"You go into races knowing you’re world champion already once and you always try to fight for championships and add numbers to that. But I think if anything, he should have less pressure."
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