Germany's Sebastian Vettel poses for photographers in Melbourne yesterday as part of the build-up to the Australian Grand Prix. Picture: GETTY IMAGES
Red Bull ace Sebastian Vettel says the best way to snare a fourth straight formula one world title is to forget about the first three.
The record-setting German believes he needs to start with a blank sheet, beginning with Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
While Vettel said the weight of expectations was lifted from his shoulders with his first championship in 2010, he needs to focus on beginning the season level with his rivals.
He said the fact he was a triple world champion would make no difference to his motivation or expectations in 2013.
"Every year we start again from zero and everyone has the same chances," Vettel said yesterday.
"I think the secret is not to think about what has happened the past three years."
Vettel said he was relieved after his first title win but the following two seasons allowed him to perform with less anxiety.
"I think the first title was very, very stressful. After that I think you don't have that pressure any more - you've proved to yourself more than anyone else you can do it.
"After that obviously we had two fantastic years again, very different to each other, but you probably don't really think about what happened last year or the last three years.
"We are here with zero points on our side at the moment, the same as everyone else, everyone has the same opportunities and the cars didn't really change."
Vettel predicted an even closer battle for the championship this year, with McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari and Lotus all showing promising signs.
"Last year we saw it was very close so I don't expect it to be any different than last year, if anything, even a little bit tighter," he said.
"It will be crucial to make the most out of every single race."