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LONDON: Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel retired from Ferrari on Sunday (December 13) with a last slightly wobbly song of thanks on the Italian radio and a large trophy as a parting gift.
The German, who hoped to emulate Ferrari’s childhood hero and great Michael Schumacher when he arrived in Maranello, finished 14th in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and one place behind his teammate Charles Leclerc.
“Grazie Seb” was written on a pit board as the team gathered for a group photo accompanied by a huge Champions League-style trophy celebrating Vettel’s 14 victories in six years in Italy.
Vettel, who will join Aston Martin (the renowned Racing Point) next season, ranks third on Ferrari’s list of all-time winners and is the most successful in not winning a championship with them.
He also achieved 12 poles and 55 podiums for the Italian team, as well as 14 fastest laps.
“It was an exciting day with the mechanics saying goodbye on the grid. I felt there was a different dynamic and tension there,” the German, who won his 2010-13 Red Bull titles, told reporters.
“I am sad for the boys, I will miss them but also happy to embark on a new journey.”
After the race, he gave a farewell performance of ‘Azzurro’, a popular 1960s song by Adriano Celentano, on its slowest lap.
“Every time I was really excited for some reason (at Ferrari) I started singing and I think it was a good way to get back to singing one last time,” he said.
“I changed the lyrics, so I hope I don’t have any copyright issues. I think it was a good way to express my gratitude for the team.”
Vettel said the trophy took him by surprise: “I never finished P14 before and got a trophy so it was definitely a good memory.”
He added that he has no regrets, but that he would miss the many friends he had made.
“I have learned a lot from this team and they have given me a lot. I am very grateful for that,” he said.
The 2020 season hit by the pandemic, with Ferrari falling to sixth place overall and their worst performance in 40 years, was a poor reflection of the good times they had together, he added.
“I think nothing should be mentioned about today,” said the 33-year-old, whose lows have been more frequent than the highs of recent times.
“I think it was a pretty bad race for us, but I enjoyed it.”
