Sebastian Vettel’s victory at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix would be the drive that would set him up for success at Red Bull.
The fresh-faced German would stun the paddock with a win in the backmarker Toro Rosso in the pouring rain at Monza, in a drive that became one of F1’s great underdog stories.
The combination of the aero-efficient STR3 and the Ferrari engine meant the high-speed Monza was the ideal hunting ground for the Red Bull sister team, especially as Vettel was regularly picking up points.
A wet qualifying on the Saturday meant Vettel had a genuine chance to cause an upset, but it was the work he put in during the weeks leading up to the race that ultimately secured his victory.
Sebastian Vettel visits Michael Schumacher’s go-karting track prior to Monza win
Vettel didn’t have much experience driving in the rain in F1, and after he crashed into the back of Mark Webber at the Japanese GP in 2007 and cost both a podium, he sought out some help.
In the weeks leading up to Monza, Vettel went to Michael Schumacher’s go-kart track at Kerpen in anticipation of a wet race at Spa Francorchamps, but it turned out to come in handy at Monza.
When speaking to Autosport, Vettel said he insisted on driving in the wet conditions using slick tyres to get used to the grip levels: “They said, ‘no, you are mad!’ and I said, ‘I need some practice if it rains in Spa.'”
It paid off when both 2008 title protagonists, Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen, dropped out of Q3, and Felipe Massa could only manage sixth place.McLaren still had Heikki Kovalainen to deliver a result, but his heavier car, due to taking on more fuel, meant he was eight hundredths off at the chequered flag behind Vettel.
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Sebastian Vettel claims Toro Rosso’s first win at Monza in 2008
All the work Vettel put in at the karting track enabled him to stay composed in the conditions up front, building up a healthy lead to Kovalainen.
When Vettel came into the pits on Lap 18, he was a full 10 seconds clear of Kovalainen. After the McLaren driver pitted four laps later, it enabled Vettel to cycle to the front of the pack, and now it was Hamilton who posed a threat.
Anticipating more rain, McLaren brought Hamilton in for fuel until the end and a new set of full wet tyres. Vettel had to pit again and if the rain came, Hamilton was in prime position to capitalise.
Although the rain continued, it didn’t increase in its intensity. Vettel managed to maintain the gap to Kovalainen to 10 seconds, which enabled him to pit for Intermediates. From there, all Vettel needed to do was keep it on track and count down the laps.
It was a consummate performance from Vettel, displaying all of the qualities that would go on to win him four world championships with Red Bull in the future. At 21 years old, Vettel set the record for the youngest pole sitter and the youngest race winner in F1.
The German national anthem, followed by the Italian anthem on the iconic Monza podium, rolled back the years to his idol Schumacher. Vettel, unable to fight back the tears, came to realise his dream. For Toro Rosso, they became one of the great underdog successes.