The 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked a poignant and unforgettable weekend in the world of Formula 1, serving as the grand farewell for four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. Tributes poured in from across the paddock, celebrating a remarkable career that left an indelible mark on the sport. The emotional climax of the weekend saw Vettel complete a ceremonial lap of the Yas Marina circuit on foot, joined by teammates, rivals, and friends, a powerful symbol of his departure from the racing arena.
Thursday: The Grand Finale Commences
Stepping into Abu Dhabi, the intensity of the heat was immediately palpable, more formidable than any previous visit. This year’s Grand Prix had been shifted earlier in November to accommodate the FIFA World Cup, which would soon captivate the globe. The desert sun beat down relentlessly, a stark reminder of the physical demands on everyone in the paddock, from mechanics to drivers.
My arrival at the circuit was met with the much-anticipated confirmation: Mick Schumacher would be replaced by Nico Hulkenberg at Haas for the upcoming season. The news, though widely expected, still carried a tangible weight. Team Principal Gunther Steiner, ever the character, held an early media conference, displaying his typical buoyant mood. His cheerfulness wasn’t just about the impending season finale; it also stemmed from the relief of finally putting an end to the incessant questions regarding his 2023 driver lineup. This clarity, for him, meant a quieter off-season, free from speculative media scrutiny.
The main press conference exuded that familiar ‘last day of school’ atmosphere, a bittersweet mix of exhaustion and nostalgia that often permeates the final race weekend. Notably, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso were grouped together, a trio representing a remarkable collection of world championships and F1 history. Jokes and lighthearted banter flowed freely, especially directed at Vettel during what would be his final official press appearance of his illustrious career. The palpable camaraderie between Hamilton and the four-time world champion was clear for all to see, a testament to years of fierce competition blended with mutual respect. As Nicholas Latifi spoke, I distinctly observed Hamilton raising his phone, capturing a candid moment – a selfie with himself, Alonso, and Vettel, an image encapsulating a staggering 13 world titles between three legends of the sport.
However, the mood within the press room shifted dramatically when current world champion Max Verstappen took to the stand. Still seething from the relentless media coverage surrounding his refusal to obey a Red Bull team order to let his teammate pass in the preceding Brazilian Grand Prix, Verstappen launched a furious broadside at the media. His frustration was evident, his words sharp and direct, creating a tense atmosphere as he vehemently defended his actions and criticized what he perceived as unfair and sensationalist reporting. It was a stark reminder of the immense pressure and scrutiny that even the most successful drivers face.
Interviews continued into the early evening, with many journalists already pivoting their focus towards crafting their comprehensive season reviews, capturing the final thoughts and reflections of drivers and team personnel. The day concluded on a more relaxed note at a social gathering hosted by Mercedes on their stunning rooftop terrace. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the lights of the W Hotel and the surrounding harbour began to glitter on the calm waters, offering a serene backdrop to the discussions and farewells, a beautiful end to an intense first day.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free
Friday: Paddock Dynamics and Familiar Faces
Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free
Friday morning dawned, and my first task was a meaningful trip around the bustling F1 paddock to personally thank everyone I had collaborated with throughout the demanding season. Formula 1’s global and relentless schedule transforms the paddock into an extraordinarily close-knit community. At the close of a season, it becomes a genuine challenge, yet a vital one, to ensure every individual who contributed their time, energy, and expertise receives the acknowledgment they deserve. These are the unsung heroes of the sport, and a personal thank you goes a long way.
Perched on a vantage point amidst the organised chaos of the paddock, I observed the drivers making their final entries for the practice sessions of the season. It was a familiar ritual, yet tinged with the melancholic air of finality. Sebastian Vettel, ever the picture of composed focus, strode past with a cool confidence, offering a subtle smile and a nod of acknowledgement to those around him. He was trailed by a small but dedicated group of fans, eager to capture a final photograph with the departing legend, a small gesture of appreciation for his enduring legacy.
Later that evening, on my way to dinner, a familiar figure emerged from a car outside a significantly more opulent restaurant than the one my colleagues and I were heading to. It was F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. Stopping briefly to exchange greetings, I was struck by his choice of attire: a stylish double-denim outfit. In the paddock, we are so accustomed to seeing everyone in official team gear or smart business wear that encountering key figures in their personal style can make them almost unrecognisable. Domenicali’s unconventional, yet sharp, ensemble certainly caught my eye, a momentary glimpse into the man behind the demanding role.
Saturday: Trackside Emotions and a Champion’s Farewell Run
For the final practice session of the season, I decided to brave the relentless, blistering heat and venture trackside – a rare and cherished opportunity, and my last chance this year to experience the raw speed and spectacle up close. As I made my way towards turns 13 and 14 – the distinctive left-handers flanking the track-crossing W Hotel – I was struck by the astonishing proximity of the cars to the barriers on the exit. The sheer speed and precision required to navigate these sections were awe-inspiring, a true testament to the drivers’ skill. I pressed on, aiming for turn 11, but the intense heat eventually forced me to concede defeat. The thought of continuing the trek to turn 10 became unbearable, and I had to retreat, desperately craving water and shade, acknowledging the harsh realities of the desert climate.
The media scrum after qualifying was a whirlwind of activity, with countless journalists eager to capture the final words from Sebastian Vettel. He had, once again, made himself and his Aston Martin team proud by expertly guiding his car into Q3, squeezing every last ounce of performance from it. I don’t hesitate to admit that a tear welled in my eye and trickled down my cheek as he approached the media pen. I quickly wiped it away, acutely aware of the professional setting, but it was clear that his impending departure from Formula 1 had affected me more deeply than I had anticipated – a profound moment marking the end of an era.
Another driver navigating his own uncertain future, also in what was, for now at least, his final F1 race weekend, was Mick Schumacher. Inevitably, he faced a barrage of questions about his career prospects beyond Haas, which he answered with his characteristic calm and thoughtful composure, despite the immense pressure. I took the opportunity to ask him if he had heard the encouraging comments Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff had made that very morning during the FIA press conference. Wolff had openly expressed his admiration for Schumacher’s talent and his strong desire to potentially bring him on board with the Mercedes team, perhaps in a reserve driver capacity. After Mick admitted he hadn’t caught the remarks, I urged him to take a listen, emphasizing the genuine kindness and high regard conveyed by Wolff’s words. Appreciative of the heads-up, he offered me a subtle wink and mouthed a sincere ‘thank you’ as he departed. A collective hope lingered in the paddock that we would indeed see him back in Formula 1 in the coming years.
Following the conclusion of the formal media sessions, Aston Martin extended a special invitation to us: an event organised by Sebastian Vettel himself, offering a unique opportunity to run or walk a five-kilometre section of the track alongside the champion. Regrettably, I was unable to participate, having sprained an ankle just days before flying out to Abu Dhabi. Instead, I waited at the finish line, absorbing the incredible atmosphere. Each team member, dripping with sweat after completing the jog, was met with a heartfelt bear hug from Vettel. This simple, powerful gesture spoke volumes about the deep relationships he had forged within the paddock throughout his remarkable F1 tenure, demonstrating the genuine connection he had with every individual who supported his journey. It was a beautiful display of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and genuine human connection that transcended the competitive nature of the sport. Vettel, ever gracious, took the time to personally greet and thank nearly everyone, showing the profound impact he had on his team and the wider F1 family.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free
I am not typically one to request autographs; it feels a little out of place in my role as a journalist. However, four-time world champions do not retire from the sport every weekend, so this was unequivocally a case of ‘mitigating circumstances’ that warranted an exception. Approaching Sebastian Vettel, I politely asked if he would sign my 2022 F1 pass. He graciously agreed, offering a warm smile as he put pen to paper. I took the opportunity to thank him sincerely for his immense contribution to Formula 1, acknowledging the impact he had made both on and off the track. After our brief exchange, I left him to continue with the event, where he remained until virtually everyone had crossed the finish line. Eventually, he departed the start-finish straight, walking hand-in-hand with his partner and their three children, a truly poignant and personal moment marking the end of an extraordinary chapter in his life.
Sunday: Race Day and Emotional Goodbyes
A later start time for the final race meant a rare luxury: ample time to catch up with various individuals around the paddock at the beginning of the day. Stepping onto the grid for the season’s grand finale, a peculiar observation caught my eye: several grandstands appeared only half-full, a stark contrast to the usual teeming crowds. The grid itself, however, was bustling, packed with an eclectic mix of celebrities and VIPs. Amidst the flurry, I caught a fleeting glimpse of acclaimed cricketers Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Jimmy Anderson, adding a touch of sporting royalty to the already glamorous occasion.
Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free
As is my usual routine, I watched the exhilarating start of the race from the media centre, observing the initial jostling and strategic positioning of the cars. Once the first retirements began, signalling drivers making their way back to the paddock, I ventured out to speak with them. Not for the first time this year, Fernando Alonso’s race concluded prematurely, his car succumbing to technical issues well before the chequered flag, a frustrating end to what had been a challenging season.
The media pen soon transformed into a bustling scrum of journalists, all vying for interviews with a particular group of drivers. This was a particularly poignant moment, as Sebastian Vettel, Mick Schumacher, Daniel Ricciardo, and Nicholas Latifi had all just completed what were, for the foreseeable future, their last Formula 1 races. As Vettel calmly sauntered towards the pen, I managed to catch his eye early, allowing me to squeeze in a few final, quick questions before he was inevitably whisked away by his team and other media obligations. It was a brief but meaningful exchange, marking the official end of his competitive F1 journey.
Next to appear was Lewis Hamilton, who had endured a frustrating end to his own race, his Mercedes failing him and preventing him from seeing the chequered flag. Despite the disappointment, a curious detail caught my attention as he walked past: looking down, I noticed the words “good luck” neatly embroidered on his socks. My immediate assumption was that this subtle message was intended for his longtime friend and rival, Sebastian Vettel, a quiet tribute from one champion to another. Despite asking a few members of the Mercedes team, I never did get a definitive answer, leaving the gesture shrouded in a touching, personal mystery.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free
As the post-race fireworks illuminated the night sky and then slowly faded, the last official duties of the season included final media sessions with Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack and Red Bull’s Christian Horner. Horner, in particular, was in high spirits, rightfully revelling in his team’s remarkable 17th victory of what had been an astonishingly dominant season, cementing their place in F1 history. With these duties fulfilled, it was time for me to wave my own bittersweet goodbye to the F1 paddock for the year. No doubt, within a mere few weeks, the hunger to return, to be back amidst the roar and the drama, would begin to stir. But for now, it was a collective “see you next year, and have a wonderful Christmas break” as everyone departed for some much-needed and well-earned rest, ready to recharge before the anticipation of a new season began.
As I was making my exit from the paddock, I unexpectedly bumped into Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff. With a warm gesture, he opened his arms and embraced me in a huge hug. Genuinely touched that I had seemingly made such a positive impression on the influential Mercedes team boss, I thanked him sincerely for all his candid and insightful answers throughout the challenging year. As I continued on, I offered a quick “good luck” to a passing Mick Schumacher, who was heading towards the Aston Martin hospitality area, presumably to catch up with Sebastian Vettel for a final farewell.
Not long afterwards, another iconic figure made his way towards the Aston Martin hospitality area: none other than the ever-competitive Fernando Alonso. His determined stride and purposeful direction served as a clear, immediate reminder that even as one season concluded and one legend retired, the gears of the 2023 season were already in motion, the relentless cycle of Formula 1 ever turning, forever chasing the next triumph.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free
More from the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- Norris dissatisfied with solitary podium finish: “One isn’t enough”
- Verstappen achieves most dominant title win since Vettel in 2013
- Magnussen’s experience makes him ‘positive’ ousted Schumacher can return to F1
- Overtaking still difficult at Yas Marina despite 2021 track changes, say drivers
- Depressing to consider points lost says Gasly after AlphaTauri slump to ninth
Browse all 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix articles