( CNN ) -- Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has backed Red Bull 's world champion Sebastian Vettel to match the achievements of fellow German driver Michael Schumacher . Vettel , 23 , claimed his maiden title during a dramatic final grand prix of the 2010 season in Abu Dhabi , while the 42-year-old Schumacher claimed seven titles between 1994 and 2004 . Ecclestone , 80 , said the competition faced by Vettel is much tougher than when Schumacher -- who now races for Mercedes -- was so dominant for Ferrari . `` The competition Sebastian is facing is much bigger than that confronted by Michael , '' Ecclestone told Formula One 's official web site . `` That makes Seb 's wins even more noteworthy . I do n't see a reason why there should n't be a Red Bull era just as Ferrari had theirs with Michael . '' Red Bull claimed the constructors ' title in 2010 to complete a clean-sweep of the sport 's top honors , and the British-based Austrian marque have been equally successful in 2011 with Vettel winning six of the season 's opening eight races . Far from making the sport less appealing , Ecclestone is confident that Vettel 's current supremacy increases fans ' interest in the elite division of motorsport . `` Sebastian is in a similar position as Michael . Sebastian is the best right now and that 's why he is dominating , and that 's what makes it so interesting for the fans , '' Ecclestone said . `` Every race weekend starts with a big question mark -- who will be able to beat Vettel ? That 's why fans tune in . '' Vettel , who also became Formula One 's youngest champion with his 2010 success , extended his contract with Red Bull until 2014 in March this year , but had previously been linked with a switch to Italian outfit Ferrari . Vettel , who started his career at Sauber in 2006 before joining Toro Rosso in July 2007 , said he admired the proud history of teams like Ferrari and Mercedes , but he insisted he was happy with Red Bull . `` I feel completely happy at Red Bull . Of course Ferrari and Mercedes do come with a huge legend , but I am not into myth right now . What 's important for me is that when I come from the track and look in the mirror in my hotel room I want to be able to say , 'Yes , that 's me and I am satisfied with what I see . ' `` After Abu Dhabi it feels good to know that I do n't have anything to prove to myself anymore . '' Schumacher returned to racing with Mercedes at the beginning of the 2010 campaign , having originally retired from Formula One in 2006 . The veteran driver has struggled for form since making his surprise comeback , with his recent fourth placing at the rain-affected Canadian Grand Prix a rare highlight . The 2011 season continues with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on July 10 , a race won last year by Vettel 's Red Bull teammate Mark Webber .
Bernie Ecclestone believes Sebastian Vettel can match Michael Schumacher 's record . Ferrari supremo also claims that Vettel faces tougher competition in the future . World champion Vettel leads the Formula One drivers ' standings after 18 races . Schumacher won seven world titles before retiring in 2006 and returning last year .