Sebastian Vettel is considered to be one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers in history. However, racing was not always his dream. At a certain point in his life, Sebastian Vettel wanted to be a Basketball player after idolizing Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan is one of the most marketable athletes of all time. Jordan has been an inspiration to a number of athletes and children over the years. During the 1990s, Michael Jordan was dominating the NBA with the Chicago Bulls.
Although Sebastian Vettel ended up in racing, he wanted to be a Basketball player like Michael Jordan at one point. So the question has to be asked, why didn’t he?
“I loved basketball at some point.” Vettel began during a press conference in 2020 “I was a huge fan of Michael Jordan, but I looked at my father, looked at my mother, looked at my grandparents, and I figured, probably not.”
He knew that he would not have the potential to become a Basketball player like Michael Jordan due to the height difference. The 4x WDC is 5 foot 9 inches tall while Michael Jordan is 6 foot 6 inches tall. If Sebastian Vettel were to play in the NBA, he would be one of the shortest players to do so.
However, shorter players have been a part of the NBA. Muggsy Bogues played in the NBA from 1987 to 2001. He was only 5 foot 3 inches tall. But was still successful in the NBA. However, not all short players can make it.
Why did Sebastian Vettel choose racing?
During the same press conference, Sebastian Vettel told the press,
“I picked up racing very early and then I looked up to these Formula 1 drivers, and I wanted to become like them. Then Michael (Schumacher) started to win and become world Champion so he was the national hero in Germany and then from there it was quite clear.”
Being born and brought up in Germany, Sebastian Vettel witnessed the greatness of Michael Schumacher and his rise to fame with Benetton and Ferrari. During Schumacher’s stint with Ferrari, he won 5 consecutive Championships. Only one other driver has been able to accomplish so many championships with one team, Lewis Hamilton.
Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel at the Race Of Champions in 2012 pic.twitter.com/hL4HgJ5T8o
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The German also won multiple Championships with a single team. He won 4 Championships with Red Bull racing. Unfortunately, he was not able to do so with Ferrari like Michael Schumacher.
After Vettel came into Formula 1, he shared a very close friendship. He even shared the grid with Michael Schumacher after he came out of retirement in 2010. In his last race in Formula 1 in 2012, Michael helped Sebastian Vettel win the Championship. The two Germans shared a special moment after the race as well.
In 2021, Michael Schumacher’s son, Mick, made his way to Formula 1. Mick also shared a close friendship with Sebastian Vettel. The 4-time Champion still helps Mick in his career. It seems like he is returning the favor that Michael gave to him.