Sebastian Vettel puts the finishing touch on his career this Sunday, after 15 years in the elite, accumulating records, titles (4), pole positions (57) and victories (53)
“I don’t regret anything, I think I’ve had a great time, that sums it up, I think I’m privileged”, says the German
Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement at the end of the season in July. And that moment has arrived. The German, four-time world champion with Red Bull (2010-2013) and runner-up with Ferrari (2017-2018), will be one grand prix away from reaching 300 races and at 35 he will say goodbye this Sunday at the Abu Dhabi circuit. His vacancy at Aston Martin will be filled by Fernando Alonso, who will get into the green car next Tuesday, November 22 at the Yas Marina circuit.
His official debut in F1 dates back to the United States GP in 2007, replacing robert kubica at BMW Sauber. Since that historic Sunday in which he scored the first point (8th) at just 20 years old, Vettel He has become one of the ‘greats’, accumulating records, titles (4), pole positions (57) and victories (53) during the last fifteen years
‘Seb’ had his first full season in F1 with Toro Rosso before being promoted to the works Red Bull team in 2009. He showed what he was capable of with a competitive car and in his first year fought for the championship with Jenson Button. In the following four seasons, the Vettel-Red Bull alliance became a ‘roller’, winning four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles.
After a difficult 2014, he headed to Ferrari, a dream come true for the German that, however, ended up being a nightmare. He unsuccessfully fought for the 2017 and 2018 titles against lewis hamilton and Mercedes, but from then on the situation got worse and 2020 was his worst within the Maranello structure, not only because of the team’s sharp drop in terms of competitiveness, but because Ferrari clearly bet on its young star charles leclerc and closed the doors to renewal, giving entry to Carlos Sainz,.
Lawrence Stroll came to the ‘rescue’ with an ambitious project at Aston Martin, but the expectations of both have not been met and Sebastian has recognized that the lack of results for a driver like him, accustomed to success and great challenges, has just convinced him to finish his stage in F1.
Hamilton’s Respect
The one who for years was his great rival and staunch enemy on and off the track, lewis hamilton, is today one of those who feel the goodbye of Vettel the most. In July, after learning of his decision to retire, the Briton wrote a heartfelt tribute: “It is an honor to call you a rival and an even greater honor to call you my friend. You leave a sport better than when you arrived.”
In Brazil last week, Hamilton once again referred to the departure of ‘Seb’, with whom he was chatting in the paddock. “It’s been an unexpected relationship, a friendship. It’s very hard when you’re so competitive and you’re chasing something you’re passionate about. We’ve had amazing careers together, championship battles over the years. And it’s been really nice to see, ever since. outside, how someone grows and makes his way”, said the one from Mercedes.
Vettel ended up gaining the trust of hamilton when in 2020 he began to kneel at ceremonies before the start of races to denounce racism. “Of all the drivers I’ve raced with, Seb was the first to support me and get down on one knee with me. He was the first, that I know of, to go out of his way for the things that matter to him. We’ve had our own ways in that regard, but supporting each other I don’t think I’ve seen any other driver in the history of the sport who has done what he and I are doing in terms of using our platform, talking and taking risks. So I really see him as an ally. It will be sad to see him go Because I think there’s still a lot of potential in him, even though I know he’s going to do amazing things outside of here.”
Without looking back
“I know that my last race will not be the best of all the ones I have done, it doesn’t matter too much,” he admits. Vettel, which this season adds two sixth positions in Baku and Japan as best results with an Aston Martin that has come back, although not enough, in recent months. “I haven’t looked back yet, so maybe that’s more of a question for ten years from now, but I’m very happy with my career,” the German replied at Interlagos when asked to take stock of his sporting career.
“Obviously, I’ve had a lot of highlights, a lot of great careers, great people I’ve met and worked with. I’ve had moments that weren’t great for sure, but I think they helped me get to where I am today. I don’t regret it.” Nothing, I think I’ve had a great time, that sums it up, I think I’m privileged, I’m very happy to take all this with me, everything I’ve learned, what I’ve been able to experience, the support I’ve received, also for Hopefully they help me out in the next chapter.”