Bernie Ecclestone predicts a third title for Sebastian Vettel in 2012, with his teammate Mark Webber coming in second to hand Red Bull a third Constructors’, whilst Lewis Hamilton will complete the top three.
The 81-year-old is however hoping for a non-dominant year from the young German, but admitted he had everything in place to once again replicate his massively successful 2011 season.
“My guess is that he [Vettel] really can do it again,” Ecclestone told the official F1 website. “I think anything else would be the surprise.
“The pre-season tests spoke a quite clear language: the Red Bull looks super competitive again – and Sebastian is only 24, so he still has an enormous potential to fill. Realistically, everything points to Sebastian. He’s got it all: talent, passion, zeal, a clear head – and he hates to lose.
“I could imagine him beating Michael’s record,” he added. “Coming back to my 2012 hopes, I hope that McLaren is faster than at the start of last season and able to fight for wins right from the first race.
“Mercedes is looking pretty competitive, so I have them on my watch list. That leaves me with the hope that Ferrari will catch up soon. If I were to bet now, it would be Sebastian world champion, Mark Webber second and one of the McLaren’s third, probably Lewis Hamilton.”
When probed on why he thought Hamilton would finish ahead of his teammate Jenson Button, whom he finished behind last season, Ecclestone replied: “Because in the end he’s faster.”
“Lewis is a huge talent – that has not changed. He probably was mentally a bit unstable last year and that resulted in a situation where he didn’t show his full potential. On the other hand Jenson Button squeezed the maximum out of his potential – that’s why he finished ahead of Lewis. I dare to predict if both are able to show their full potential Lewis will be in front of Jenson, because in the end he’s faster.”
