ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Before climbing into a Formula One car for the final time ahead of a grand prix, Sebastian Vettel did a lap of the Aston Martin garage to thank each and every mechanic. It was a simple gesture, but one that meant a huge amount to his colleagues and one that summed up the character of the man at the centre of it all.
On the grid, Vettel’s fellow drivers lined up side by side to give him a guard of honour as he returned to his car following the United Arab Emirates’ national anthem, underlining the respect each one feels for him.
Then, shortly before the start of the race, Fernando Alonso, who was once Vettel’s on-track nemesis when they fought for the title ten years ago, lent over the cockpit of the Aston Martin to wish his old rival good luck. Starting one place behind Vettel on the grid, he also informed the four-time world champion that he wouldn’t attempt to pass him on the opening lap.
“I didn’t want to attack Seb,” Alonso told reporters after the race. “I just wanted to do a few laps behind him and enjoy.”
Fifty-seven laps later, Vettel crossed the finish line for the final time to score a single point in tenth place. But the result didn’t matter.
On Sunday evening in Abu Dhabi, Vettel achieved something far more remarkable than any on-track victory — he left F1 as one of the most respected and loved drivers in the sport.
The goodwill towards Vettel, which was displayed at various points throughout the weekend from all corners of the paddock, underlined the German’s popularity, which is far greater now than it was when he won his fourth and final world championship in 2013.
On the Thursday before the race, another former rival, Lewis Hamilton, organised a dinner for all 20 drivers in Abu Dhabi to say good bye to Vettel in a private and relaxed setting. The seven-time world champion, who also picked up the bill, said it was among his most memorable evenings in F1.
“I think it was really important, so that’s why I asked the group in Mexico whether they would be open to all doing a dinner to give Seb a farewell,” Hamilton said.
“We haven’t had a dinner since years ago in China [2016], it was the best evening. Everyone was laughing so much, great stories, Seb is a great leader.
“He made a great speech, really trying to hand down some of the experiences he’s had over these years. Particularly to the younger guys because they’re the future.”
An unforgettable night pic.twitter.com/5NMeYWfm4j
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton)
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