In the summer, Sebastian Vettel announced that he would end his Formula 1 career, after 15 years competing at the highest level, at the end of 2022. The German, who has accumulated four consecutive drivers’ titles, ends his contract with Aston Martin at the end of this campaign, and considered that it was a good time to put an end to his career.
But the effects of that decision , which still seemed distant, begin to be more real as the Great Circus approaches the final stretch of the course.
The four-time champion was visibly moved when he left Suzuka, his favorite circuit on the calendar. In addition, last week in Austin he admitted that he would “miss the adrenaline” of fighting wheel to wheel, as he did with Kevin Magnussen’s Haas on the final lap of the United States Grand Prix.
“It’s getting more and more real,” Vettel said before the American event. “At Suzuka I finished qualifying a bit sad, and Sunday was a day of emotional ups and downs. It’s a special place and I will miss it,” admitted Vettel.
“I don’t know what Abu Dhabi will be like. Obviously from a results point of view I don’t think we should expect any sudden miracles, but I also tend to look at what the future holds for me.”
“I’m excited about what awaits me [after Abu Dhabi]. It’s not that I hate Formula 1 now and I’m happy to leave, but obviously I made the decision that I made,” reflected Vettel, who said he wanted to enjoy his new life.
Although the United States does not occupy the same place as Japan in Vettel’s heart, it is also a special enclave, since it was in Indianapolis that he made his debut, in the 2007 season , taking the BMW Sauber to eighth position.
“I think it’s a great place to visit. My first race was at Indianapolis, so obviously it’s a special place for me,” explained the 35-year-old, who benefited from Fernando Alonso’s penalty to finish seventh in COTA.
“That Sunday morning in Indianapolis I found a penny and I kept it, and I still carry it with me. It is a special place for me,” he concluded.
“I kept the one cent coin I found Sunday morning in Indianapolis while running, and it’s still with me. It’s a special place for me.”
Do you want to read our news before anyone else and for free? Follow us here on our Telegram channel and you won’t miss a thing. All the information, at your fingertips!
