After 15 glorious years at the wheel, Sebastian Vettel bids an emotional goodbye to Formula 1 


After 15 glorious years at the wheel, Sebastian Vettel bids an emotional goodbye to Formula 1 

Sebastian Vettel

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2022 did not only close the curtains on the F1 season but also saw racing legend Sebastian Vettel bid adieu to the sport. After completing 15 years in F1, Vettel raced for the final time and finished 10th, just behind former teammate Daniel Ricciardo. The German was also voted as the driver of the day.

ADVERTISEMENT

A 4-time World Champion, Vettel bid goodbye to his fans by performing the traditional donut. Later during his interaction with the media, an emotional Vettel spoke about feeling empty and not having much to say. For a man involved in racing for the majority of his life, Vettel acknowledged there were things far more important than racing and proceeded to thank his fans worldwide.

While F1 action will continue next year, it won’t be the same without the German. Throughout his career, Vettel has inspired a host of talented drivers. From his first win with Toro Rosso in 2007 to later becoming a 4-time World Champion with Red Bull, Sebastian Vettel has come a long way in racing. His dominance at Red Bull was something fans had not witnessed from an F1 driver for a long time. The German at that time was a class apart.

Related: “We all cried right ?” F1 fans react as Sebastian Vettel couldn’t hold back his tears after his post race interview

ADVERTISEMENT

Sebastian Vettel is an inspiration for fans and next generation drivers

Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel

Not only that, Vettel through his racing career proved that if one believed and worked towards their dream, anything was achievable. The 4-time World Champion stood a testament to it when he fulfilled his childhood dream by racing for Ferrari. After multiple championship reigns with Red Bull, the 35-year-old signed for the Scuderia. Despite not being able to win a championship with the team in Red, Vettel’s journey with Ferrari serves as an inspiration for many.

Vettel retires from F1 with 53 Wins, 122 Podiums, 57 pole positions, and 4 World Championships. While these accolades are enough to set his legacy in stone, Vettel will mostly be remembered for his humility and the great human he is. F1 being a competitive sport, often blood boils, and there are heated confrontations. However, when it comes to the German, everyone has respect.

As a kid, Sebastian Vettel’s idol was Michael Schumacher. A young Vettel had tremendous respect for the German, and the same was seen when the two raced together. In fact, Schumi even guided the 4-time champion early in his career. However, life came full circle for Vettel when Schumacher’s son Mick Schumacher, reciprocated the same feelings Vettel had for Michael. Vettel, too went out of his way to help a young Mick Schumacher adjust to the fast-paced world of F1 racing. This was indeed heartwarming to see. How many sports professionals can walk out saying they are idols for the kids of their idols?

Also Read: “Final race for now”- Sebastian Vettel’s father Norbert has an emotional breakdown over his son’s last race in F1

ADVERTISEMENT

Even though Sebastian Vettel walks away from the sport, a window for his return shall always be open. However, if this is a goodbye, Vettel has set his legacy in stone. Not only did he achieve his dream of being a World Champion, but he also helped start Red Bull’s dominance, which is now carried forward by Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. While racing fans will hope for Vettel’s return in the future, for now, Danke Seb!

Also Read: “You’re still one of us forever” – Gunther Steiner and Haas bid Mick Schumacher farewell with a heartfelt message