A glittering career concluded for Vettel in Abu Dhabi, a track where he cliched his first world championship in 2010 in the penultimate race. For all his numerous records and achievements, he will be celebrated for his amicable attitude off the track and exuberant moments in the sports during his twilight.
The weekend in Formula One marked the conclusion of certain Sebastian Vettel’s dazzling career in the sport. Courtesy of Hamilton’s mechanical failure, Seb ended the race in 10th position finishing in the points for his last dance. It was an overwhelming atmosphere, to say the least, this season has undeniably belonged to Max, with him consolidating his hold on top with a domineering performance through the course of the entire season. This post-social media generation might perhaps not be conscious of Sebastian Vettel’s remarkable contribution and presence in the sport. Seb has the third most world championships in the world, with him winning his championships quadruple from season 2010-2013. He is the youngest Pole winner, the youngest to win the championships, and dominated the sport for 4 years rivalling Shumaker’s hegemony in the early 2000s. Vettel was the original poster boy culminating in Red bull's rise in F1 as Champions, much before the arrival of Max.
The entire race week at the Yas Merina was a testament to Vettel’s high regard and reputation in the sport amongst fellow drivers, teams, media, and fans. The week commenced with media formalities on Thursday in which several drivers heaped praises and their tribute to a racer regarded as one of the best in all time. The day ended with all the drivers going for a remarkable dinner, a precedent unseen in Formula 1, exhibiting the stature of Vettel in the sport’s history. On Friday at the meeting of the Grand Prix Driver’s association, Vettel was felicitated with an award by Chairman Alex, Wurz in acknowledgment of his services to GDPA, appreciating Vettel’s commitment and contribution, especially in regard to driver safety. As a mark of respect for Vettel’s arch-nemesis, Alonso refused to attack Vettel's position on the track for the first lap. Extending an exceptional gesture, especially from a man of highly competitive intensity.
Vettel’s accomplishments have certified his legacy within the sport, with him winning over 50 plus poles and 53 races. In his grandeur at Red Bull from 2010-2013, Vettel was a winning machine as described by fellow teammate Ricardo “a relentless approach, like he wasn’t satisfied; he just wanted to ultimately destroy the competition”. On a sour note, Vettel was subordinately convincing in his years at Ferrari, a was prone to frequent blunders which let him derail his title campaigns in 2017 and 2018. But still, in his time at Ferrari, he scored more wins for the Italians other Schumacher and Lauda. In the Red Bull era, Vettel was always witty and engaging, with an Anglophile sense of humour and a love of the Beatles and Monty Python. But his ruthless will to win sometimes left him cast as the antagonist, particularly in his sometimes-vicious battles with team-mate Mark Webber.
It were the personal anecdotes shared by his fellow drivers which describe the aura and gratitude of Seb. A dynamic and charismatic individual with a blend of raw talent and nurturing humility toward the latter stage of his career. From his incident with Dutchman in the British Grand Prix, where in he made sure that Max was well. To his Christian Hornet claiming he would Seb would come and stay at the house in the countryside alongside the sheep. He had a peculiar aspect to his life, especially of the track. Vettel‘s obligation towards retirement seems to be his ambitions and aspirations beyond the track as he feels saturated with the adventure of racing. His retirement note conveyed his consciousness of climate change. He admitted that alongside his passion for the sport, with maturity over time has made him loathe a few aspects of the sport.
Vettel recently has been a vociferous critic of the sport’s carbon emission calling it a gas-guzzling sport. He had admitted his desire to contribute more quality time with his family and appreciate the modest aspects of life outside the racing track. As a Vettel fan, we can concede melancholily that this was the perfect farewell for him, a champion resting his laurels with humility yet competitiveness.
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