Sebastian Vettel’s retirement is edging ever closer, with the German’s time as a Formula 1 driver set to be complete in just under two weeks.
Some are still trying to comprehend that the four-time World Champion won’t be on the grid next season, with the 35-year-old being one of the most loved drivers in the paddock.
Whilst the majority adore Vettel, some have questioned if he’ll even be trying in the final races of the season, having argued that the end of the year is simply a “farewell” tour.
His recent performances prove that Vettel is certainly not taking his foot off the gas, with his last few races having arguably been some of his best as an Aston Martin driver.
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Whilst the Mexican Grand Prix was nothing to write home about for Vettel, with the AMR22’s pace having not been top 10-worthy, he claimed a brilliant eighth place finish at the United States Grand Prix and previously sixth at the Japanese Grand Prix, pushing the Silverstone-based side up the table.
With two races remaining, Aston Martin are seventh in the Constructors’ Championship and are just four points behind Alfa Romeo, whereas in the Drivers’ Championship the German is currently 11th and is 11 points off a spot in the top 10.
Staggeringly, Aston Martin boss Mike Krack revealed that the team had to “kick” Vettel out of the office in Mexico due to him continuing to search for improvements, demonstrating “his motivation” to succeed right up until the very end.
“Probably, yes,” Krack said, when answering if Vettel was in good form.
“I think he gained from the better performance [of the car] or the better results.
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“It added a little bit more to his motivation. And it’s really nice to see him work. I think we had to kick him out of the office [on Friday night in Mexico].
“Otherwise, he would have still been there, studying data, looking at where you can change things. So he’s not on a farewell, this I can tell you for sure. He really wants to do well. He wants to bring us forward and bring his part to finish the season in the best possible place.”
Somewhat disappointingly, Vettel is set to retire on 299 GP starts; however, it doesn’t harm his spot as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all-time, given that he is third on the list for most wins in the sport, having achieved 53 victories.