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LONDON, England - Sebastian Vettel, as current Formula 1 champion, will for the fourth consecutive season carry '1' on his car but if he fails to win a fifth title he'll have to switch to '5' - a number he has chosen, as have all F1 drivers, that will stay with him for the rest of his F1 career.
But why is he high on five?
NO SCHUMI TRIBUTE
Vettel told Sport Bild: "I chose it because I was so successful in karts in 2001 with No.5 and I had it in 2010 when I became World champion for the first time.
"Several other drivers have taken No.5 to the F1 title - for examples Michael Schumacher and Nigel Mansell."
Sport Bild explained, however, that Vettel had already selected 5 before Schumacher's skiing fall; it could not, therefore, be regarded as some sort of tribute.
In 2013 the controlling International Automobile Federation invited drivers choose a number from two to 99; Vettel's countryman Adrian Sutil opted for the latter.
Sutil said: "The explanation is very simple. In my life, everything should be the maximum."
NUMBERS GAME
Formula 1 drivers revealed their race-car numbers for the 2014 season - as well as the rest of their various careers. Find out what they chose - and why...
But why is he high on five?
NO SCHUMI TRIBUTE
Vettel told Sport Bild: "I chose it because I was so successful in karts in 2001 with No.5 and I had it in 2010 when I became World champion for the first time.
"Several other drivers have taken No.5 to the F1 title - for examples Michael Schumacher and Nigel Mansell."
Sport Bild explained, however, that Vettel had already selected 5 before Schumacher's skiing fall; it could not, therefore, be regarded as some sort of tribute.
In 2013 the controlling International Automobile Federation invited drivers choose a number from two to 99; Vettel's countryman Adrian Sutil opted for the latter.
Sutil said: "The explanation is very simple. In my life, everything should be the maximum."
NUMBERS GAME
Formula 1 drivers revealed their race-car numbers for the 2014 season - as well as the rest of their various careers. Find out what they chose - and why...
