The 2007 Formula 1 season is probably best remembered for Spygate between McLaren and Ferrari, and the relentless battle between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
Alonso and Hamilton’s battle within McLaren kicked off early into their partnership at the Monaco GP, when the latter ignored team orders and piled pressure on Alonso when he was told they were turning down their engines.
The teammate battle between Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen was also brewing, which would reach its peak in 2008 when they both fought for the title with Hamilton.
But in amongst the McLaren and Ferrari rivalries, a new one was being spawned further back in the field between prospective talent Sebastian Vettel and the now experienced Mark Webber.
Mark Webber struggles with illness during 2007 Japanese Grand Prix
Vettel had been brought into the Red Bull fold off the back of success in the junior categories and was tipped to be their golden boy for the future.
Driving for Toro Rosso, he quickly made an impression by beating teammate Sebastien Bourdais, who joined the F1 grid having won the ChampCar (now IndyCar) World Series four times.
During the rain-affected Japanese Grand Prix at the Fuji Speedway, Vettel had managed to qualify in ninth place behind Webber. The pair moved up a place when Nico Rosberg was handed a penalty for an engine change, putting them close to a points finish.
At the start, it would be the pair who capitalised on a crash between Nick Heidfeld and Jenson Button, with the quick-starting Vettel up to third while Webber was now in fourth. Webber went into the race having contracted food poisoning, and despite having vomited in his helmet during a Safety Car period, the Australian continued to soldier on.
Webber managed to jump Vettel when they stopped for fuel later in the race, promoting himself to third as he emerged behind Hamilton, who spun while leading the race in the tricky conditions.
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Sebastian Vettel collides with Mark Webber and dashes any hope of Red Bull podium
As the race progressed in the tricky conditions and poor visibility, Alonso would crash out of the lead after aquaplaning and brought out the Safety Car.
Webber was promoted to second place at this stage with Vettel in third, which would put both drivers in contention for a podium. However, as the Safety Car bunched up the pack, Vettel was trying to warm up his tyres when he collided with an unsighted Webber.
The collision took out Webber on the spot as he sustained too much damage at the back of his car, while Vettel managed to make his way back to the Toro Rosso garage where he was directed into the garage having damaged his front suspension.
Commentators James Allen and Martin Brundle would later spot Vettel at the back of the garage:
Allen: “There is Vettel crying his eyes out in the pit box, and who could blame him? It looks very much like it was his fault, smashed into the back of Webber…”
Brundle: “Of all the cars to hit as well, it’s his boss’s other team.”
A furious Webber was asked about his thoughts on the incident and didn’t mince his words: “Kids, isn’t it? Kids with not enough experience, doing a good job, then they f— it all up.”
It proved to be pivotal in the Constructors’ Championship for Red Bull as they were in a battle with Williams and they would go on to finish ahead in fourth.
Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber would later become teammates in 2009
Vettel would be retained by Toro Rosso for 2008 and went on to take their first victory at Monza during a sodden Italian Grand Prix.
The win earned him a promotion to Red Bull in 2009, where he was partnered with Webber for the next five years.
Vettel won their first race in similar conditions at the Chinese Grand Prix, while his rivalry with Webber would continue.
Vettel and Webber would clash again on track at the 2010 Turkish Grand Prix, although the Australian was able to continue and finish on the podium.