Vettel and Alonso went head-to-head for the 2010 and 2012 world championships, with the Crimson Bull driver popping out on high on each events.
The pair’s rivalry was extremely respectful on observe as they by no means got here to blows throughout their respective title duels.
Alonso had been beforehand important of Vettel for his run of success within the early 2010s, suggesting that it was all the way down to the Crimson Bull automobile constructed by design guru Adrian Newey, moderately than the German’s skills.
With Vettel retiring on the finish of 2022, Alonso – to some shock – was one to reward his former rival, even stating he wouldn’t battle him on the opening lap of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Reflecting on his rivalry with the Spaniard, Vettel recalled his titanic duel with Alonso for the 2012 championship.
“I feel I like him as a competitor,” Vettel instructed the Past The Grid podcast. “He is in all probability been the hardest one, particularly in [those] first couple of years, and we had [such] shut battles on the finish of the championships, each in 2010 after which 2012, particularly, which continues to be in all probability considered one of my favorite moments/recollections.
“Simply the stress coming into the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix, that morning, that build-up.
“I feel that, for me, no less than – I do not know for the individuals who had been there, [they] had been in all probability extra relaxed – however for me, it was very intense, and I feel each of us had been very nervous.”
Vettel conceded that he and Alonso by no means obtained to know one another away from the race observe.
“I charge Fernando actually excessive as a driver,” he added. “I feel he has obtained a lot pure expertise, unbelievable willpower, nice racing intuition, and all of that he hasn’t misplaced. You possibly can see he loves his racing. He is very passionate.
“As an individual, although, I do not know him, actually. I would not say we do not get alongside, I feel we respect one another. Nevertheless it’s simply by no means occurred that we actually obtained to know one another, spend time [together] or speak a lot outdoors racing.”
