Abu Dhabi: Sebastian Vettel’s four-year reign as the F1 world champion came to an end on Sunday along with an unceremonious end to his illustrious career with Red Bull.
Vettel and Red Bull have been one of Formula One’s biggest success stories. The German fought his way up through the junior ranks to Scuderia Toro Rosso before finally leaving an everlasting mark on his way to record books with Red Bull Racing.
However, he couldn’t sign off on a high and a partnership that took Vettel to 39 wins, 66 podiums and an incredible four world championship titles saw a mediocre end at the same venue where is dream run started.
“I personally have extra special memories of the Abu Dhabi circuit and the Grand Prix. Today’s event will mark another big moment in my career ... my last race with Red Bull, the team that has been like my family. Hopefully, I can do well,” is what Vettel said in the run up to the race.
In five visits to Abu Dhabi, Vettel has scored three victories, the last one last year, a third place and two pole placings. The only time he failed to finish on the podium was in 2011 when a puncture put him out of the race.
Vettel would have been further upset as Red Bull Formula 1, who had originally agreed to allow him to test for Ferrari next week, backtracked on their decision. The German’s contract ends on November 28 while the test is scheduled to be held on Tuesday-Wednesday. Insiders say Red Bull has changed its mind because it fears he would take secrets with him.
“It is a shame, especially because initially I was allowed and then I wasn’t. It is what it is. I don’t know why it happened. All of a sudden something changed, I think as far as I understand, I don’t know. The technical people were panicking a little bit — afraid I might take some secrets,” said Vettel.
