Following the German’s retirement from Formula One, Christian Horner paid tribute to Sebastian Vettel, describing him as a “brilliant character” off the track and “even more brilliant” on it.
After two difficult seasons with Aston Martin, Vettel ended his F1.
career at the recent Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He had previously won four world titles, 53 race victories, and 57 pole positions.
Horner was Vettel’s group manager at Red Bull for those title wins and shared a few recollections from their time cooperating as the 35-year-old continues on toward his next part away from a F1 cockpit.
He is simply an outstanding professional. After witnessing Vettel make his F1 debut with BMW Sauber before moving on to Toro Rosso and then the senior Red Bull team, Horner stated.
He possesses such a charming personality; He charmed everyone by showing up with chocolates for the secretary and receptionist. His Jean Todt was legendary because he could mimic and imitate so many different accents, from cockney slang to Nigel Mansell.
He is simply a brilliant individual and even more brilliant driver. I mean, the four World Championships we won together, the way he prepared for the final race in Abu Dhabi in 2010 and Brazil in 2012, are incredible memories.
As Horner mentioned, Vettel’s 2010 and 2012 championship victories were decided by dramatic final rounds. He came from behind to win the 2010 championship at Yas Marina and overcame an early-race incident to win the 2012 championship at Interlagos.
The German driver raced for Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari, and Aston Martin in Formula One.
In recent years, he has made a big impression by speaking out on important issues like social and environmental rights.
At the Autosport Awards on Sunday night in London, Vettel was honored for his contributions to motorsport and Formula One by receiving the Gregor Grant Lifetime Achievement Award.
Vettel acknowledged that it would be strange to be at a track and not race in his post-award speech that he was certain he would return to the F1 paddock in the future.
Vettel told Motorsport.com, “I’m sure I’ll be back at some point to have a look.” I adore both the sport and the people. Being there live and not participating will most likely be a challenging or strange experience. But I suppose it will come.
So yeah, I’m not sure. I have no plans right now. However, I’m sure it will appear at some point.
In the Abu Dhabi press conference, Lewis Hamilton, Vettel’s former title rival, assured the German that he would one day return to Formula One and race: It’s likely that you’ll come back.
However, Vettel has made it abundantly clear that, in addition to wanting to spend time with his young family, he has yet to decide what he will do after retiring from Formula One.
When asked about Hamilton’s comment, Vettel responded, “I have lots of ideas, lots of things that I want to do and spend my time with, but then I’ll see what happens from there.”
You can never say never, I suppose. But I’ve given this step a lot of thought, and I think it’s the right thing to do.
Despite the fact that nothing has been signed or established, “I’m very excited about what’s coming.”