Emotional Sebastian Vettel Receives High Praise From Fellow F1 Champion

Sebastian Vettel, a four-time world champion, after an illustrious career spanning 16 years, has decided to leave Formula 1 at the end of 2022. Currently in Asia for the Japanese GP, Seb has not missed a single opportunity to admire his favorite track , the Suzuka Circuit. Since Vettel has called it his favorite track on the calendar, it was only fair to expect a promising outing from the veteran on Saturday.

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At the end of Q3, Vettel found himself in P9, which not only made the fans happy but also a certain old colleague.

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Japan has seen the best years of the German. He has won 4 times (2009, 2010,2012, and 2013) at Suzuka. In securing P9, Vettel maintained his record of starting every Japanese Grand Prix of his career within the top 10. While entering Q3, he put in all his experience.

The way he escaped the 11th position and entered the top 10 took everyone by surprise. So much so that even a former world champion couldn’t help but praise Vettel for his heroics at Japan on Saturday.

While commenting, 2009 world champion, Jenson Button said,” I’m so happy for him, that was such a good lap, we were watching him say ‘oh look at that turn 2 he’s got it together’. He was on it that lap, proud of him.”

Knowing the sheer skills and talent of Sebastian Vettel, the events of Saturday wouldn’t have shocked the former champion much.

Sebastian Vettel gets emotionally talking about the Japanese Grand Prix

It would be safe to say that this weekend has been a rollercoaster of emotions for not only Sebastian Vettel but also his fans. After a stonking qualifying lap, the 35-year-old said, “It’s more that laps like this make me a bit… not regretful because I look forward to what’s coming, but a bit sad about the fact that it’s the last time.”

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Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – July 4, 2021 Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel before the race pool via REUTERS/Christian Bruna

Giving further insight on the lap he had in Q3, the Aston Martin driver said, “If you don’t look on the scoreboard as to where we ended up, the feeling is pretty much the same [as a pole position] in terms of how happy I was with the lapses I had.”

“I love this place; I love this track and it just makes you feel more alive.”

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WACTH THIS STORY: Vettel & Mick’s team got knocked out by Jimmie Johnson & Colton Herta

Sitting in P7, Aston Martin has Haas and AlphaTauri right on their tail. But surely they can expect some good points from their experienced driver this weekend. Looking at Vettel’s brilliance in the qualification, do you think he can bid adieu to Suzuka in style?