50 Most Marketable 2012 - Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel - German, 24, Motorsport (7)

There is very little to dislike about Sebastian Vettel and much to envy.

Formula One’s youngest double world champion wrapped up his second title in 2011 with a season of statistical brilliance and comprehensive domination – 15 poles in 19 races, 11 victories and 17 visits to the podium helped him to snaffle more points over the season than the entire Ferrari team.

The early signs are that 2012 will present the 24-year-old German with a significantly tougher proposition, as he seeks to join Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher as one of the only men to have claimed three championships in succession, but his elevation to the top table of world sport is already complete.

Assured, amusing and articulate, he is a personable and engaging spokesman for his Red Bull Racing team and, when necessary, the sport as a whole.

Vettel is solidly contracted to Red Bull, who identified him as a good horse to back early in its Formula One programme, until 2014 and is very much part of the family there – so much so that his commercial activities are largely intertwined with those of the team.

However, last year’s decision by Red Bull Racing partner Infiniti to sign a separate brand ambassador deal with Vettel hinted at the individual value his easy manner and obvious talent can offer. Put simply, on track and off, he has all the assets required of a modern-day Formula One superstar.