“Now he's going to be my team-mate next year, which I'm looking forward to. The Germans obviously produce good drivers, and he's another youngster coming through.”

Vettel also received a vote of confidence from the sport's supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who predicted that the 21-year-old would one day go on to follow in the great Michael Schumacher's wheeltracks and lift the ultimate trophy – the Formula 1 world drivers' crown.

“After his win in Italy I'm sure of it,” the 77-year-old asserted. “He will win the championship one day.

“Sebastian is young, smart and friendly, so he is the ideal example for other young drivers who one day hope to join the F1 circus.”