May 7 (GMM) Although racing for a rival team, Sebastian Vettel is taking advice this year from McLaren’s physician Aki Hintsa
The story was uncovered by Germany’s Sport Bild, after Red Bull driver Vettel was spotted talking with Hintsa, a Finn, on the grid of the Bahrain grand prix two weeks ago
“Aki and I are friends,” the 21-year-old, who like Hintsa lives in Switzerland, confirms
It emerges that Hintsa arranged a new fitness trainer for Vettel: another Finn, 26-year-old Tommi Parmakoski
Sport Bild reports that Hintsa also advises countryman Kimi Raikkonen, who drives for rival Ferrari
Vettel and Raikkonen are also friends and often train together in Switzerland
Hintsa said of Vettel: “I always thought that I was demanding on athletes, but Sebastian is unbelievable. He wants to constantly improve himself: often calls me when he is finishing (training) to see what else he can do
“You have to slow him down rather than push him.”n
