03/02/2012 16:31
Formula One drivers looking to wrestle the crown from Sebastian Vettel have been issued a warning by Dietrich Mateschitz.
The Red Bull owner believes that the young German, who will drive the RenaultSport-powered car again this season, is looking "stronger than ever".
This could demoralise a number of his rivals as Vettel was in imperious form last year, wrapping up the title with several races to spare.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Mateschitz said: "Sebastian has improved and is stronger than ever. He has prepared during the winter break like he's never done before and he will certainly not let us down.
"What he needs for his third title is a competitive car and on that aspect we'll be able to evaluate where the teams are going in the first tests in Jerez."
Commenting on Vettel's recent assertion that more title wins will see Red Bull afforded legendary status like Ferrari, Mateschitz added: "What Sebastian says is certainly right. Ferrari has become a legend through victories and titles too. How many titles are needed for that isn't so important: what counts now is the hat trick in 2012."
The 2012 season kicks off in March as the drivers set out their stall for the year at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Posted by Sebastian Turkenburg