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The last time out of the Ferrari garage: the mechanics applaud Sebastian Vettel
Photo:
Steven Tee / imago images / Motorsport Images
"Thank you, Seb":
Charles Leclerc wore the words "Thank you, Seb" on his helmet at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - on the occasion of the last Grand Prix of his team-mate Sebastian Vettel in a Ferrari.
The two drove 38 races together for Scuderia, not always without conflict.
"I appreciate that he dedicated his helmet to me," said Vettel: "I hope we can give the fans something to be happy about this weekend." But there wasn't much to be gained for the Tifosi after 55 Laps on the Yas Marina Circuit.
The result:
The Yas Marina Circut is the territory of Mercedes - or Red Bull. With his victory at the season finale, Max Verstappen replaced the series-winning racing team, Mercedes had won each time in the past six years.
Most recently, Vettel managed a victory in Abu Dhabi in 2013 without sitting in a Silver Arrow.
Also in the Red Bull. For Ferrari it wasn't even enough for points in the end - and Vettel saw Leclerc's rear as he crossed the finish line.
Thanks or not.
You can read the complete race report here.
Ferrari stands in line:
before the race, his mechanics applauded Vettel when he drove out of the Scuderia's garage for the last time.
When he addressed the difficult season, the unfulfilled expectations, the bitter experience that it was not enough to win titles with the Italian racing team, as his idol Michael Schumacher did, he also said: »When I look back on everything the years i think we had a great time together.
Above all, I'll miss the guys in the garage. ”The 33-year-old returned the favor to his team over the pit radio when he crossed the start-finish line in 14th place:“ You are the red team, passionate, you never give up up, "Vettel sang to the melody of the Italian song" Azzurro "and added:" Feeling your magic was an extraordinary experience.
Guys, thank you! ”A greeting also went to the factory in Maranello, which Vettel had not yet visited because of the corona virus, as he said on“ Sky ”.
One was missing:
Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto.
The 51-year-old had to travel back to Italy early due to illness.
According to the racing team, this has nothing to do with the corona virus.
Binotto is so seriously ill that he did not steer the weekend from Maranello either.
Binotto had already missed the first race in Bahrain and the Turkish Grand Prix.
There Vettel took his only podium this year.
Vettel ends his worst year:
“I'm looking forward to seeing the checkered flag.
The season was so bad that I am really glad that it is over now, «Vettel had said before the last race of 161 days, the shortest season in almost 60 years.
Magic doesn't help against numbers either.
13th place in the drivers 'standings (33 points) in an unrivaled car is the worst World Championship result for him since he started in Formula 1. With Leclerc's 98 points, the team only made sixth in the constructors' standings.
And that should be enough.
"Today's race and the year do not represent the time we had," said Vettel on Sky: "On the one hand, I'm sad, on the other hand, I'm looking forward to the next chapter."
Even more farewells, possible ...:
Vettel will continue in the Aston Martin in 2021, but some other drivers could (for the time being) retire from the premier class: Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen will be replaced by Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin at Haas, Sergio Pérez (Racing Point) can only hope for a cockpit at Red Bull.
Alexander Albon may have to give way at Red Bull.
Daniil Kwjat (AlphaTauri) could be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.
... and safe:
Anyone who will no longer be there in 2021 is RTL.
The Cologne TV station has broadcast the races since 1991.
3.14 billion people watched more than 500 launches.
At the season finale for the time being for the last time.
From 2021 onwards, the pay-TV broadcaster Sky has exclusive rights and only has to show four races on free TV.
Not just one era came to an end in the United Arab Emirates.
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