Sebastian Vettel Patimit: I Will Save This
JAKARTA - German racer Sebastian Vettel officially said goodbye to the Formula 1 race. He ended his career by picking up a point in the Abu Dhabi GP F1 race, Sunday, November 20.
The four-time world champion finished in the top ten at Yas Marina after Lewis Hamilton had problems with his car. With that result, the 35-year-old German was leaving F1 with 3,098 points, 57 pole positions, 53 wins and four world titles.
In an interview session with world champion Jenson Button on track after the race, Vettel said, "I hope to get more points, but I enjoy this race."
"Thank you for being incomparable to everyone's support, a lot of flags, smiling faces, which are very, very special. I'm sure I'll miss this from what I'm feeling right now," he continued, as reported by Antara, Monday, November 21.
The Aston Martin racer then hopes that all parties involved in the F1 grid will continue their good work so far. He said the last two years had been a little disappointing from a sports point of view.
However, it is all very important for Vettel's life. "A lot of things happen, a lot of things I realize," he said.
"I think being in our current position is a huge privilege, and with that there is responsibility, so I hope to pass on a little bit of that to the other riders, to continue their good work so far."
The former Red Bull Racing and Ferrari driver admitted that he was very happy to have the power to inspire with what he had done and said.
"I think there are things that are bigger and more important than racing in life, but of course this is what we love and through it, if we can transfer some of that very important value, this is something big. So I think that, the last two years has been really extraordinary for me," said Vettel.
Prior to his last race, Vettel was greeted with a small ceremony by fellow riders lined up on the grid to pay their respects and farewells.
Vettel's family, including his father and three children, who usually avoid appearing in the F1 paddock, are even present to see his final appearance.
A hug for Lewis during Seb's pre-race guard of honour 🤗#AbuDhabiGP #DankeSeb pic.twitter.com/211pMrCIVt
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 20, 2022