Sebastian Vettel celebrates his 100th grand prix with Red Bull this weekend and hopes to mark the occasion by uncorking champagne on the most-coveted podium in Formula One on Sunday afternoon.

Vettel’s 99 previous grands prix with the marque have so far yielded 38 victories and four world titles but win number 39 would have to be wrested from a dominant Mercedes.

The opening practice sessions in Monoco on Thursday did suggest Red Bull was gaining on Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg and with power less of a requirement and high downforce instead the key ingredient, Vettel may yet draw closer.

The Mercedes duo still lead the way, separated themselves by just 0.032 seconds, with Vettel’s team-mate Daniel Ricciardo just over two tenths of a second adrift after the opening 90-minute session.

Although Vettel knows Mercedes remain the team to beat, he has not given up hope of finally ending their run of five successive wins and four consecutive one-twos.

“Mercedes were very quick in morning and we see that usually, come Saturday, they are able to pick up their pace, so we’ll try to do the same,” said Vettel.

“Potentially we are a little closer here, but you know at the moment it’s all guessing.

“We know it’s quite important to qualify in the front here, so if there is a chance then we have to use it.”

As far as Vettel’s career goes, now in his sixth year with Red Bull, he concedes the time has flown by.

Looking back on his 99 grands prix with Red Bull, Vettel added: “In 2009 it was a surprise to have a really competitive car.

“In my first year I made mistakes I had to do, as did the team, but it was part of the process of growing together.

“It was very painful to get beaten in the fight for the championship, but after that it has been quite phenomenal.”

But he said this year “looks a bit different to previous years” in terms of his chances of success.

“But then again we’re only five races in, we know the team is strong, and we have been through a lot in our 99 races together.”

nNico Rosberg has committed his long-term future to Mercedes by signing a contract up to the end of 2016, reports suggested yesterday.

Rosberg is in his fifth season with the marque and playing second-fiddle to Lewis Hamilton.

The signing puts an end to speculation that Mercedes will make a move to nab Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso.