Time is nearly up for Sebastian Vettel’s incredible Formula 1 career, with the last two races of the year now just a matter of days away, kicking off with this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix.
Both of the remaining races represent special venues for the German, with the four-time World Champion having claimed his 2012 title in Interlagos, whilst he claimed his first-ever title in 2010 at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
Vettel has claimed victory at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace three times during his career; however, it’s his P6 in 2012 which will always be his most famous result in Brazil.
The German went into the 2012 season finale in a title fight with Fernando Alonso, which started in the worst possible way after spinning at Turn Four on the opening lap.
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Vettel fought his way through the field as conditions changed, to claim the result he needed for his third consecutive title.
One-time rival Lewis Hamilton has also claimed a championship in Brazil, with an overtake on Timo Glock on the final lap of the 2008 Brazilian GP having elevated the Brit into the position he needed to claim the title.
It was staggeringly Vettel who had almost stopped Hamilton from winning the championship that year, after overtaking the 37-year-old.
The duo went on to battle it out for the 2017 and 2018 titles, with Hamilton at Mercedes and Vettel at Ferrari.
Whilst Hamilton came out on top both years, the pair have previously stated that their rivalry with each other is the most enjoyable of their career.
The respect on show between them was a mirror image of Hamilton’s 2021 battle with Max Verstappen, with the duo having rarely come together.
Since then, the pair have gone on to become friends, with Hamilton having spoken on Vettel’s imminent retirement ahead of this weekend.
“It is going to be sad to see him leave,” said Hamilton.
Since battling each other for titles, the pair have gone on to create a bond like no other, in fighting global matters and changing the sport for the better.
Vettel and Hamilton are often united in supporting a campaign or community and are typically the first to speak out over issues regarding the sport’s political position.
The Stevenage-born driver has hailed his friendship with Vettel as “unexpected”, but that he is truly an “ally”.
“It has been an unexpected relationship and friendship,” explained the Brit ahead of the weekend.
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“It is so difficult when you are so competitive and you are both fighting for something you are passionate about.
”Out of all the drivers that I’ve raced with, Seb was the first one to stand by me and take the knee with me. He is the first one to go out of his way to fight for things he cares about.
“I don’t believe I’ve seen any driver in the history of the sport do what he and I have been doing in terms of utilizing the platform, being outspoken and taking that risk. I really see him as an ally.”