Vettel keener on trophies than money

Vettel likes to collect trophies

(GMM) Sebastian Vettel has revealed one of his greatest joys is receiving a "nice trophy" on the formula one podium.

Also a collector of his numerous winning helmet livery designs, the back to back world champion admitted on Monday that taking home a new "cup" from a grand prix is better than mere money.

"I could give up anything, but not the trophies," said the 24-year-old, who in his 80 F1 races has won 21 times and stood on 35 podiums.

"When you've put everything into it for two hours, whether you are rewarded with a big or a small check really doesn't matter — but a nice cup makes a difference," he told SID news agency.

"When I stand up there (on the podium), I know life for me could not get much better."

Next month in India, Vettel will once again be presented with the official drivers' championship trophy — and it's the one that the German is not allowed to keep.

The only way to keep looking at his name on the most important cup of all, then, is to keep the championships rolling.

"I have to give it back (eventually)," said Vettel, "so it would be great to have it for several years … Michael (Schumacher) had it for five in a row.

"My ultimate goal has always been to be formula one world champion, and now no matter what happens in the future, it can't be taken from me."