Vettel racing against himself

German driver looking to build on record streak in new season

Sebastian Vettel was on such a record roll in 2013 that by the time Formula One rocks up for this year's season-opener in Australia it will be almost eight months since anyone else won a grand prix.

Even allowing for an August shutdown and three-month winter break, that single statistic highlights just how demoralizing last year was for all those trying to beat Red Bull's quadruple world champion.