Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has revealed that he hopes Sebastian Vettel “regrets” retiring from Formula 1, jokingly, of course.
The 53-time race winner has left a huge hole at the pinnacle of motorsport as a result of his retirement, with many of the younger drivers on the grid having actually looked to the German for support.
Over the last couple of seasons, Vettel has very much been the peacemaker in the paddock, with all the drivers having had enormous respect for the four-time World Champion.
In honour of Vettel, all 20 drivers went for a meal ahead of the season finale last season, in what was a brilliant sight to see.
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Weirdly, Vettel’s performances actually improved following his retirement announcement ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, with the 35-year-old having been one of the strongest midfield drivers in the latter stages of the season.
Krack discussed Vettel’s last few races and how he was “really in the flow”, something that saw the Silverstone-based team almost claim sixth in the Constructors’ Championship.
“When things went up in Singapore and Suzuka, you could see his joy,” Krack told Motorsport-Magazin.
“When you heard him on the radio, you immediately knew he was there. He was sharp, he was really in the flow. You could tell in the last races that a car that gives him more feedback, more performance, motivates him even more.”
Krack is “glad” that Vettel has decided to spend more time with his family but can’t help himself from believing that his retirement is a “shame”, given how important he is to the sport.
“I’m glad he’s where he is – but it’s a shame he decided to quit,” Krack admitted.
“I hope he regrets it.”
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As big as loss as Vettel is for Aston Martin, the side certainly have the perfect replacement in double World Champion Fernando Alonso, who Krack wants to see grow into a “fundamental member” of the outfit’s “long term” projects.
“My goal is for Fernando to become a fundamental member of our team in the long term,” added Krack.
“We also have to try to make use of the experience he has. I think he’s also at an age now where he sees things differently than maybe he did 10 or 15 years ago.”