Ross Brawn has hailed Sebastian Vettel's personal contribution to the excitement of the 2017 season.
Brawn, famous for his key role in the ultra-successful Jean Todt-Michael Schumacher era at Ferrari, is now Formula 1's new sporting boss in the Liberty Media era.
He told Sport Bild: "What Sebastian is doing in the red car is great advertising for Formula 1.
"Most fans want to see a successful Ferrari team, and Sebastian is the key to it."
So far in 2017, Vettel and Mercedes's Lewis Hamilton have each won two grands prix, but Red Bull official Dr Helmut Marko sees the German driver with the advantage.
"Mercedes is driving more on the limit, while Sebastian is apparently comfortably on the podium always. The Ferrari is more consistent," he said.
Mercedes currently lead Ferrari by eight points at the top of the standings.
