display

After crossing the finish line in a Ferrari, Sebastian Vettel serenaded his childhood dream.

The four-time Formula 1 world champion said goodbye to the Scuderia after six years singing over the radio.

Even if the Italians didn't win the title, the Heppenheimer was emotional in the end.

At the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Vettel experienced the last pointless disappointment on Sunday in 14th place, before he drives for the new Aston Martin team next year.

“You are the red team, passionate, you never give up,” Vettel sang to the melody of the song “Azzurro” and added: “Feeling your magic was an extraordinary experience.

Guys, thank you! "Vettel also sent a greeting to the factory in Maranello and added:" Now I say goodbye and wish you all the best! "

His career in numbers

Sebastian Vettel will drive for Aston Martin from 2021.

We take a look at the impressive numbers of the Formula 1 career of the four-time world champion.

Source: Omnisport

When the Dutchman Max Verstappen won in the Red Bull, Vettel had no chance and ended the turbulent Corona emergency year as World Cup 13.

worse than ever in his career in a full season.

The veteran was ten times without points in 17 races.

As third in Istanbul, he made it onto the podium once in 2020.

His last triumph so far comes from September 2019 in Singapore, while Verstappen achieved the tenth Grand Prix victory of his career.

display

“I think saying goodbye is always difficult after so many years.

Today's race and the year do not represent the time we had, "said Vettel at Sky:" On the one hand, I'm sad, on the other hand, I'm looking forward to the next chapter. "

Verstappen give hope for more tension

Verstappen pushed Valtteri Bottas and world champion Lewis Hamilton into second and third place in the Mercedes - and with an impeccable performance raised hopes for a more exciting 2021 season. "I really enjoyed it out there," enthused the Dutchman.

“It was a very good race for the team.” Still, Bottas was runner-up in front of Verstappen.

Verstappen confidently defended his first place on the grid and expanded his lead at the beginning.

Hamilton couldn't get past Bottas and found himself on the defensive on one of his parade courses.

Hamilton had won five times in the past in Abu Dhabi - more often than anyone else.

After his coronavirus infection the previous week, however, the veteran was not in the best of shape.

He was only given permission to start on Thursday after having had to take a break in Bahrain last Sunday.

display

The World Cup decision had been made a month ago when Hamilton was crowned seven-time champion in Turkey, but the Briton wanted to be there again.

He also experienced the final Vettel Grand Prix in red.

“This year has been difficult in many ways.

I hope that we can find a good finish, ”said Vettel before the start.

It should - once again - remain with one wish.

Vettel could not emulate his idol

His mechanics applauded the veteran the last time he drove out of the Scuderia's garage, and team-mate Charles Leclerc personally wished him the best of luck.

But it went like in so many races in recent months.

Vettel again had trouble with the car, to which he had no real access for the whole year.

Started from 13th position, he couldn't move forward on his own.

Even before the weekend it was clear that he couldn't improve on the overall standings.

The last year with the Italians was the most frustrating after he had made it to runner-up in the world championship twice.

But he was unable to emulate his idol Michael Schumacher and lead Ferrari to the very front.

display

Everything should get better in 2021 when Vettel gets into the Aston Martin.

There the Hessian replaces the Mexican Sergio Perez.

The previous week's Bahrain winner retired early at his Racing Point in Abu Dhabi.

The 30-year-old has not yet found a new employer.

The top teams used the Perez retirement and the subsequent safety car phase for their first pit stop, and the field came together again early on.

However, the Ferraris did not change tires and Vettel was even in seventh place.

"I'm being eaten up"

At the head, Verstappen did his laps alone, keeping the Silver Arrows at a relaxed distance.

The pole setter had always won in Abu Dhabi for the past five years.

Vettel also has three wins in the Emirates in his vita - but all of them in his time at Red Bull.

"I'm being eaten up," Vettel radioed to his box after a little more than halfway through.

After he finally got new tires on lap 36 of 55, he dropped out of the points and crossed the finish line far from the top positions.

Shortly before the end, he was even overtaken Verstappen.

The winner was still worried about his tires, but easily made it to his second win of the season.