“Not proud, smiling, and efficient at once”: Sebastian Vettel has already won the Porsche

Maybe he’s itching for competition again. At least the curiosity of these unique machines as he was able to find them on Formula 1 tracks from 2007 to 2021, which made him a four-time world champion (2010-13). At the age of 36, Sebastian Vettel may not be able to drive at the highest level. In the World Endurance Championship? It is a possibility that he considers, with all the professionalism and attention that has always accompanied him.

On March 26, the former driver of Red Bull and Ferrari drove a Porsche 963 on the Spanish circuit of Motorland Aragon, during the official test of the brand, which called its crew from LMDh n ° 5 and n ° 6, entered under Porsche. Penske banner in WEC this season.

Porsche factory driver since 2014, development driver of the 963 and starter of the number 5 since the return of the German brand to the World Cup 2023, Frédéric Makowiecki told on our podcast Les fous du vol, Monday, behind the scenes teaching from. this essay.

Sebastian Vettel had previously tested in a simulator and drove the car on the manufacturer’s track in Weissach to put himself in better shape. And he was. With this addition that characterizes this collective spirit in Endurance. “I really appreciated his approachable and easy side. It’s not arrogantsays Fred Makowiecki, third in the opening round of the 2024 WEC, in the 1812 kilometers of Qatar, on March 1, guest of Fous du vol on Monday. He was there to have fun. Seeing him get out of the car smiling was so beautiful! He really did a good job. He was with us in this trial of endurance, which was still a duty. He did the job, he was honest, efficient.”

“He was happy to come, he was very eageradded “Mako”, who usually shares the wheel with Matt Campbell and Michael Christensen. Cars are still very difficult, you can’t get into a car without preparation. He arrived with ‘small’ preparations but things were done right. He did well once. His reaction phase was quick.”

All this without any trick. “Sometimes, drivers who arrive in a new environment, want to impressremember Fred Makowiecki. What he wanted was to understand. He wanted – which I really appreciated – to be able to manage as many things as possible when he gets into the car, and above all not to leave too many things to chance. This is where we can see his profession. He avoids putting himself in a situation where, when he is in an unknown place, he does not own anything.”

The following? Another unknown for the former Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin driver in F1. Le Mans? likely because Porsche will enter three 963 Penske in the Sarthe. With one driver already formalized, Mathieu Jaminet, and two to be appointed. For Frédéric Makowiecki, it has all been seen: “He is more than welcome! It will be wonderful to have him.” A supporter who is certainly not the only one within the Porsche team.