Vettel, a four-time world champion, has come under criticism this season for failing to launch a strong world title challenge.
But the German has explained how modern-day sports stars have to up their game more than the generation before them.
Vettel used the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt, to explain how the increased coverage, caused by the internet, allows greater knowledge of other competitors.
However, the Ferrari driver also admitted that he thinks Federer is a better player than his predecessors.
“The 100 metres sprint is different because it’s always 100 meters, the track has not gotten bigger or shorter, it does not go down or up,” explained Vettel.
“In Formula One now cars are much different.
“But in athletics, knowledge changed. In the 80s Usain Bolt’s dominance could have been even bigger. But now there is more knowledge.
“The cars changed as have drivers. Let’s take fitness. It’s not exactly like Alan Jones’ times, true?
“In sports you have to be professional, it’s logical.
“But Roger Federer is probably a more complete tennis player than Bjorn Borg and Pat Cash. You know what I mean?”
Meanwhile, Federer is currently drawing up his plans for the 2019 season and he is contemplating returning to clay for the first time in four years.
And the Swiss star’s former coach Paul Annacone believes there is a strong possibility of a French Open comeback.
“I have no idea what Roger is planning,” Annacone exclusively told Express Sport.
“But I won’t be surprised at all if he plays at Roland Garros. He loves Paris and has hasn’t played the last couple of years.
“There’s no reason he can’t do well there, again it’s about his schedule.
“Where will he take a break if he plays there?”
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