Manama, — Sebastian Vettel said he was inspired by Nigel Mansell to grow the moustache he revealed to the Formula One world on Friday.

The four-time world champion clocked the fastest time for Ferrari in practice for Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix and then roared with pride as he showed off his hirsute upper lip.

“I have always liked Nigel,” said Vettel, referring to the 1992 champion. “He is a great person -- and he was a lion in the car.”

Vettel’s new look was soon being shared around the world on social media after he proved his subdued “domestic cat” performance in the season-opening race in Australia, where he finished fourth, was now a thing of the past.

He is aiming for pole position and an unprecedented third Bahrain win in Sunday’s race. — AFP