Sebastian Vettel is being considered as a possible contender for the 2011 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award.
The young German has been one of the success stories of the 2010 Formula One season. The Red Bull driver became the youngest champion in the multi-million dollar sport’s six decade history; snatching the crown away from Lewis Hamilton
by a mere 5 months . Vettel virtually outclassed the rest of the pack, including his own team mate, Mark Webber, as he took the most pole positions in qualifying.
However, while raw speed was a trade mark of the young Red Bull driver, his determination and never say die attitude weren’t far behind. Sebastian Vettel was an outsider heading into the final three Grand Prixs of the season. He
was behind Fernando Alonso who was leading the standings followed by his own team mate. In the last race, he was a total of 15 points behind the Ferrari. However, call it optimism or the undying self belief that only youth could offer, as the German not only
started the final race weekend with dominant times in Practice Sessions, he also reduced the rest of the pack to mere boys in qualifying as he took Pole. Vettel was fast and more importantly, consistent throughout the 50 plus laps of the race and held his
nerve till the chequered flag and owing to Alonso’s poor finish, subsequently, clinched the Championship.
The Laureus award has a total of 6 nominees which are yet to be confirmed until the turn of the next calendar year. However, while the selection procedure has already started, the media has been able to dig their fingers into the
possibility that the 2010 Formula One World Champion is in the mix of those being voted for.
The nomination criterion is based on the selection of the Laureus Media Selection Panel. The team comprises of the world’s most prominent sport editors, leading sports writers and broadcasters. Once vetted by the media, the final
decision rests with the Laureus Academy, comprising of 46 of the world’s greatest sportsmen and women. The winner will be announced in February during a televised awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
All those motorsports fanatics and motor-heads that were able to witness the 2010 Formula One season unfold in dramatic fashion would have to agree that the Red Bull driver, Sebastian Vettel, is definitely a deserving candidate.
However, seeing the bigger picture, if the German does go on to win the award, it would not only be beneficial for the driver but also a huge marketing plus for the Formula One franchise – Bernie Ecclestone would surely have his fingers crossed!
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