While the German Grand Prix fell off the calendar this year on the back of falling spectator numbers, Mexico delivered a sell-out crowd, with more than 300,000 people attending over the three days.

Vettel is well aware of the contrast between the huge popularity in Mexico and apathy in Germany, and he does not have an answer for it.

"Being completely honest, I don't know what happened [in Germany]," he explained. "It was great but then in the last few years it was not full in Germany.

"I think there were more German flags here [in Mexico] than in Germany. I don't know what is wrong.

"Maybe people are tired. Maybe tickets are too expensive in Germany. Maybe people are realistic about how much money they spend.

"It is a shame to see over the year less and less of a crowd, even though German drivers are fighting for victories.

"It is a bit of a shame – but it seems in other countries, people are a bit more passionate about racing."