Lauda warns Vettel's 2012 F1 title not secure despite Red Bull form
Niki Lauda cautions that Sebastian Vettel’s late-season surge in the 2012 Formula One championship does not guarantee him the title, with four races still to run.
Niki Lauda has urged caution over Sebastian Vettel’s prospects in the 2012 Formula One championship, warning that the Red Bull driver’s recent dominance does not yet make him world champion. With four races left in the season, Vettel leads the standings after erasing Fernando Alonso’s earlier advantage, but Lauda said the title fight remains open.
Vettel’s run of wins in Singapore, Japan and Korea has transformed the championship picture. Alonso, who once held a substantial points lead, now finds himself chasing after two retirements in recent races. Red Bull’s RB8 has emerged as the fastest car in the field, but Lauda, a three-time world champion, pointed to the speed with which fortunes can change in Formula One.
“At the moment everything is going in Vettel’s favour, but it would be premature to celebrate the world championship yet,” Lauda told Austria’s Osterreich newspaper. He noted that Alonso had appeared a safe bet for the title not long ago, only to lose ground rapidly. Lauda said Vettel must remain cautious, with the championship still up for grabs.
Red Bull’s momentum and rivals’ response
Red Bull’s recent dominance has shifted the paddock’s perception. Romain Grosjean, driving for Lotus, acknowledged that Vettel is now the favourite, saying Red Bull’s race pace makes them “almost unbeatable”. Even so, with four rounds remaining, the championship remains mathematically open for both Vettel and Alonso.
Alonso’s consistency earlier in the season had kept him ahead despite Ferrari’s lack of outright speed. Recent technical upgrades have not been enough to match Red Bull’s pace, and the team now faces an uphill battle to recover points. For more on how Alonso’s driving has been viewed by rivals, see Briatore: Alonso and Hamilton Outclass Vettel Despite Titles.
- Vettel: 215 points (after Korea)
- Alonso: 209 points
- Four races left: India, Abu Dhabi, United States, Brazil
What could decide the 2012 title
Mechanical reliability, tyre strategy and unpredictable incidents have all played a role in this season’s title fight. Alonso’s recent setbacks came from first-lap collisions, while Red Bull’s earlier season was hampered by alternator failures. With the championship so close, a single retirement or technical issue could swing the outcome.
With India next on the calendar, Red Bull’s rivals will be looking for any opportunity to disrupt Vettel’s momentum. The title remains undecided, and as Lauda points out, the final races can deliver surprises.
