JAKARTA - Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettell excused himself from Ferrari on Sunday by singing an Italian radio thank you song at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as well as a large farewell trophy offering.
The German rider, hoping to follow in the footsteps of his childhood hero and Ferrari's greatest racer Michael Schumacher, finished the 2020 season's finale race at the Yas Marina Circuit finishing P14, one position behind his teammate Charles Leclerc.
"Grazie Seb" was written on the pit board as the team gathered for a group photo session accompanied by a trophy in the style of the Big Ear of the Champions League, to celebrate Vettel's 14 victories in his six years with the Italian side.
Vettel, who will join the Aston Martin team (new name for Racing Point) next year, has put himself in the third place in the list of victories for Ferrari riders even though he has never presented the team with a world title.
He has a collection of 12 pole positions and 55 podiums, as well as the 14 fastest lap records for the Prancing Horse team.
"It's an emotional day with the mechanics saying goodbye to the grid. I think there is a different dynamic and pressure there," said Vettel, who won four titles with Red Bull from 2010-13.
"I am sad for these people, I will miss them but also enjoy taking new adventures," he said.
After finishing the last race in Abu Dhabi, he sang by Azzuro, a song popularized by Adiano Celentano in 1960, for his team as heard over radio communications.
"Every time I am very happy for some reason (at Ferrari) I start singing and I think this is a good way to sing last time," he said.
Vettel takes the mic after his swansong for @ScuderiaFerrari 🎤 # AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 # F1 pic.twitter.com/z5vFJ5bK9v
- Formula 1 (@ F1) December 13, 2020
"I changed the lyrics so I hope I don't get into trouble with copyright. I think it's a good way to express my gratitude to this team."
Vettel was also surprised by the trophy prize from his team. "I've never finished P14 before and getting a trophy this time is certainly a sweet memory."
He added that he was not sorry, but that he would miss his friends very much.
"I have learned a lot from this team and they have done a lot for me. I am very grateful for that," he said.
The pandemic-plagued 2020 season, with Ferrari finishing sixth in the standings being their worst result in 40 years, is a bad reflection of the best times they have had together, Vettel added.
Our grazie to you, # Seb5 ♥ ️ # essereFerrari🔴 #GrazieSeb #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/ga7lEjZsmf
- Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) December 13, 2020
"I don't think there is anything about this day that should be mentioned," said the 33-year-old, who has had more bad performances than his recent brilliant performances.
"I think it's a bad race for us but I enjoyed it."
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