Formula 1 diaries with Sebastian Vettel: Thoughts on the racing legend’s career from a fan’s viewpoint

Sebastian Vettel was more than just a Formula 1 world champion, he managed to inspire a generation of fans and drivers to push harder, to be better racers and most importantly, be better human beings. Seb started his F1 career back in 2007 when he became a test driver for BMW Sauber. This was the moment in time where everything changed for the pinnacle of motorsport.

The German youngster made a one off appearance in 2007 for the team following Robert Kubica’s scary crash in the Canadian Grand Prix. An impressive performance caught the eyes of Red Bull Team advisor Dr Helmut Marko who signed him to race for Scuderia Torro Rosso in 2008. This was the year that I started watching Formula 1 and my first race was none other than the legendary Italian GP.

A race filled with drama and intensity and a lot of rain. Having procured the top spot in Qualifying of the 2008 Italian GP, Sebastian Vettel started at the front in what was a wet race in Monza. I was a kid back then so I had no clue what was happening but it was a start. When Seb crossed the line I was filled with adrenaline and curiosity about the sport and was appalled by the fast cars with no doors.

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Sebastian Vettel shows everyone that he is a force to be dealt with

Following Seb’s first win, he was promoted to the main Red Bull team for 2009. That’s when the fun and games really began as it was obvious that Red Bull and Vettel were a crazy good pairing. With the new regulations put in place, the newly formed Brawn GP got the top spots all season. However the German driver managed to come in second place in the championship. It was clear that he was hungry for more.

Then came the golden years. 2010-2013, we got to see a form of Seb that was formidable and enough to make a grown man uneasy. Sebastian Vettel was unstoppable and went on to win 4 back to back drivers and constructors championships with the team. The first title in 2010 felt like a fever dream. A team who every one thought was in the sport just to fool around and party proved them wrong.

Apart from that, a young driver with the wildest of dreams went on to cross the finish line and become the youngest F1 world champion. The first one is always the toughest. It is during this time that we get to learn about the process. Seb did that and the next 3 were won in a row. This left a message to the whole world that anything was possible and Vettel became a fierce force to be reckoned with.

Following Michael Schumacher’s footsteps

After a very successful stint at Red Bull, the driver did not have the best of seasons following the 2014 regulations changes. The German then decided that it was finally time to shift to Ferrari. It was the same team that his idol, Michael Schumacher raced and won championships with. The team hadn’t won a championship since 2007 so it was a but tough.

Seb got a taste of victory with the Scuderia, however this honeymoon period didn’t last forever as the team in red had their own issues to sort out. This basically gave Sebastian Vettel only two shots at winning the title with Ferrari. One was in 2017 while the other was in 2018. However, bad luck and even worse team management and strategy made sure that it would not turn into a reality.

It was a bit painful as a fan to watch the driver you love get absolutely crushed by this lonesome defeat. After 2020, the team and Seb mutually decided to part ways and this ended an era in Vettel’s glorious career. It’s wasn’t all bad at
Ferrari as they had their moments of glory too. As a fan, it was tough to watch him suffer so much with the team he held so high in his head an heart. Nevertheless it was time for a change.

Sebastian Vettel gets another chance for redemption

After a horrid 2020 season amidst the backdrop of Ferrari’s fuel flow controversy, Sebastian Vettel was announced as an Aston Martin driver for 2021 where he would replace Sergio Perez. High hopes were there for the German as he entered a team who seemed to have what it takes to fight at the front after a successful season in 202. However, that did not seem to be the case.

Aston Martin (previously racing point ) didn’t live up to their expectations and Sebastian was stuck to a car that was a midfield threat at the most. The team struggled for points finishes for most of their tenure and it became even worse in 2022. Apart from that, the highlight of Sebastian Vettel being at AM was his podium finish at Baku in 2021 for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The 2022 F1 season : Sebastian Vettel’s last dance

During the Hungarian GP weekend before the summer break, the German created a social media account and announced his retirement from the sport on it sending a lot of fans all over the world into tears. Amongst all the other fans, I was in the same situation. A driver that I watched growing up and learning more about the sport from has now finally left Formula 1.

The realisation hit me the moment I heard that Sebastian Vettel had created a social media account. The German legend had previously said that he would only do so if he retires from the sport. Hence, such an announcement was not much of a surprise but it surely left me speechless. It came like a hard kick in the stomach. You expected it to happen sometime but prayed that it won’t.

The German driver raced in F1 for the last time in Abu Dhabi at the season finale. After crossing the checkered flag, the 4 time world champion scored a single point. He also scored a point in his first F1 race so that brings him back to the circle. After doing a few donuts, the driver gave an interview and was seen crying after it. It was truly an emotional moment for all of us and especially for Seb.

I grew up watching Sebastian Vettel race. He was the reason that I started watching Formula 1 and got so interested and invested in the sport. Watching him leave is sad but knowing the fact that he will finally get the time to spend time with his family. Apart from that, the German will also be able to fully focus in his race to fight for sustainability and equality. Knowing him, it’s certain that he will come back just like his idol and i’m eagerly waiting for that moment.

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