Niki Lauda: Vettel will be 'the man to beat'

Many observers predict a new domination of Red Bull Racing and Sebastian Vettel in 2012. Among them, Niki Lauda. The three-time world champion obviously places the young German as the big favorite for his own succession, especially since the 2012 regulations differ very little from those in force last season. “Logic tells me that Red Bull will take another step forward, confesses Lauda to our colleagues at Salzburger Nachrichten. The only regulation change concerns the blown exhausts and the diffuser. Those who can base themselves on a car already performing well have an advantage. Red Bull can further develop its success (the RB7. Editor’s note), which is easier than starting from scratch. Mercedes must build a brand new car to achieve this. There is always the risk of going in the wrong direction?.

But in addition to the genius of Adrian Newey, Christian Horner and his men will also be able to count on the mastery of Sebastian Vettel. One more argument which makes Lauda say that the Austrians will once again be very hard to beat. “In 2011, Sebastian's self-confidence level increased enormously, continues Lauda. He didn?t make a mistake. Next year, he will be the man to beat. Whoever wants to beat him will have to have a perfect car in their hands”.

Discover an exceptional issue of AUTOhebdo on newsstands currently, including an interview with Sebastian Vettel and a report on the Red Bull RB7, the nightmare of the paddock.