Former Formula One star Mika Hakkinen believes that Sebastian Vettel will be world champion sooner rather than later.

The 21-year old impressed many last season, and recorded his first race win at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix.

Hakkinen appears to be one of those that the German's performances have made an impact on, as he sung the youngsters praise in a recent interview.

"Sebastian Vettel has what it takes to become a Formula 1 world champion one day. He is still extremely young but exceptionally fast. He will certainly win the title somewhere in the next few years," the Finn told Laola1.

"Vettel was the highlight of the 2008 season I think. He really surprised everyone with his pace. I'm especially surprised to see what a matured driver he already is at his age."

Vettel will turn out for Red Bull Racing in 2009 having departed from Scuderia Toro Rosso at the end of the past season.