The Azerbaijan GP did not disappoint as Red Bull secured a stunning 1-2 amid Ferrari’s double DNF. While Verstappen grabbed the headlines, Sebastian Vettel once again showed his class with an impressive P6 finish.
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Aston Martin direly needed some points after starting the season poorly. Ahead of the Azerbaijan GP, they were placed 9th in the constructors’ championship with just 7 points to their name. However, Vettel’s performance during Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race was crucial with teammate Lance Stroll struggling.
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After the encouraging result, the four-time world champion decided to celebrate the result grandly. Vettel, along with his team, had a party at a steak house after the Azerbaijan GP with fireworks involved as well. After a torrid start to the season, Vettel’s celebration is well deserved.
The German missed the first two races of the season because of COVID-19. Despite that, he is currently 11 points ahead of his teammate and arguably is Aston Martin’s go-to driver at the moment.
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Meanwhile, an 8-point race for the British team puts them level with Haas in the constructors’ championship. They will hope that Vettel can carry this momentum with races coming thick and fast.
Sebastian Vettel reflects on the Azerbaijan GP
Starting from P9, Vettel immediately overtook Yuki Tsunoda. After Carlos Sainz’s early retirement and virtual safety car incident, Aston Martin pitted Vettel into hard tires. Amid Mercedes’ double stack, the four-time world champion gained a position from his old foe Lewis Hamilton.
Formula One F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 10, 2022 Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel during a press conference REUTERS/Murad Sezer
Although he locked up and went off-track while trying to overtake Ocon, he recovered quickly. As a result, he lost two positions but still managed to finish P8.
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Speaking after the race, he said, “Today we were faster than Alfa Romeo and matched Alpine and Alpha Tauri, and that changes the game for us a little bit. The team did an amazing pit stop, which enabled me to jump Lewis [Hamilton].
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“After that, I was sure I had got past Esteban [Ocon], but I thought he would battle more for the position, so I took to the escape road and lost some time. Without that incident, I think I could have fought for fifth position. Nevertheless, this is a great result.”
Aston Martin will hope that Vettel carries on his fine form as Formula 1 moves to Canada next week. Can Vettel once again finish in points position? Let us know in the comments.
