The Formula 1 world is set to lose a great on Sunday, as Sebastian Vettel will take part in his final ever Grand Prix, before calling time on his legendary career.
The German won four back-to-back world championships during his time with Red Bull, and on the track will be remembered as one of the best drivers of all time.
The 35-year-old has been begged to reconsider his decision after a flurry of driver of the day performances towards the latter end of the season, but has insisted that his time as come as he looks forward to spending more time with his family, utilising his free time for his other passions.
Lewis Hamilton has recently told the media that as well as being a world class talent on the track, Vettel is also one of the best human beings to have graced Formula 1, revealing that the German’s support with the taking the knee gesture meant a lot to him back in 2020.
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Current reigning champion Max Verstappen, who is tipped to enter a spell of dominance with Red Bulls similar to that of Vettel, has now shared the moment that he first saw the caring side of the German that fans have come to love.
“He’s had a career which a lot of people could only dream of but at the end of the day, that’s not everything. I think as a person, he’s always been very caring,” said the Dutchman.
“Of course, I had my heated battles with him, especially in the beginning of my career, but for me, one thing I will always remember for the rest of my life [came] last year.
“So when I came back from the hospital to get to my motorhome to get all my stuff [following his crash in Silverstone], he was there waiting for me. When I got out the car and you [Vettel] said ‘hey, Max, like how you doing? Are you okay?’
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“And that just shows how he is, you know, a super nice caring person who is not only there for performance, but also means well. I think that’s also really nice to be remembered like that.”
It has been revealed that Hamilton paid for all 20 drivers on the grid to go out for a meal prior to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to honour the career of the German, as Vettel has clearly had a positive impact on every driver on the grid.
Vettel will be wearing a retro design Red Bull helmet for his final race in F1, as a throwback to his championship winning years with the energy drink giants.