Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel is fooling no-one with the claim that he is taking nothing for granted as he prepares to wrap up a fourth-consecutive world title in India on Sunday.

In a commendable display of modesty and professionalism the Red Bull driver has vowed to focus on winning the race rather than prematurely cracking open the champagne.

But the sobering reality of the scenario, particularly for those who enjoy their sport to be competitive, is that it would be little more than a miracle if the German doesn’t secure number four at the Buddh International Circuit.

Of the 16 races staged so far this season Vettel has triumphed nine times and is brimming with confidence after winning the last five races on the spin.

Such imperious form has seen the German open up a 90-point gap over nearest challenger Fernando Alonso, with four races still to be contested.

As a result, if Vettel finishes in fifth or higher on Sunday then he will become only the fourth man in F1 history to win a fourth title, joining Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost and Michael Schumacher as a true legend of the sport.

Asked about his approach to the race Vettel told the BBC that retaining the championship would be “very, very special.”

But he added: “I go into this weekend not expecting anything. I expect to be competitive, but you can’t expect to win or even to think further ahead.”  

All well and good but the fact of the matter is that the German has laid waste to his so-called title rivals this term in such a convincing manner that it has turned many spectators off.

After a competitive start to the 2012 title race fell flat as he cruised away to claim his third championship, it had been hoped that this season would deliver a more exciting battle at the top.

Yet Vettel’s unrelenting dominance quashed such hopes very early on in the campaign and now it seems almost laughable to opine that Red Bull’s number one won’t claim another world crown on Sunday.