Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari concluded an era, bidding an emotional farewell to each other following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the end of a six-year journey together. This departure wasn’t just another driver change; it symbolized the closing of a chapter filled with immense expectation, passionate effort, and ultimately, unfulfilled championship dreams for the legendary German driver at the iconic Italian marque.
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Sporting director Laurent Mekies, who admirably steered the team last weekend in the absence of team principal Mattia Binotto due to illness, articulated the profound impact Vettel had on the Maranello squad. Mekies underscored that despite the absence of a World Championship title since his arrival in 2015, Vettel’s indelible mark on Ferrari’s storied history is undeniable, cementing his place among their revered figures.
An Enduring Legacy: Vettel’s Impact on Ferrari
“We certainly don’t feel like it’s a normal Sunday,” Mekies stated after the race, his voice reflecting the weight of the moment. “It’s a very special Sunday because it’s Seb’s last race with us.” His words captured the sentiment permeating the garage and, indeed, the entire Scuderia. For six seasons, Sebastian Vettel had been at the heart of their F1 efforts, a driver whose talent and dedication were rarely questioned, even when results faltered.
Mekies further elaborated on the team’s gratitude: “We wanted to say a real thank you to Seb for what have been these six years with us. He’s the third most winning driver in Ferrari history.” This statistic alone is a powerful testament to Vettel’s capabilities, placing him in an elite club alongside legends like Michael Schumacher and Niki Lauda. To achieve 14 Grand Prix victories for Ferrari, a feat surpassed by only two other drivers in the team’s illustrious history, speaks volumes about the highs they shared. These wins, often characterized by Vettel’s trademark aggressive yet precise driving style, ignited hope and exhilaration among the Tifosi, reminding them of the Scuderia’s glorious past.
Beyond the raw statistics, Mekies highlighted a crucial aspect of Vettel’s character that truly resonated within the team: “What we will keep with us is that he is an outstanding professional, that in good moments and in bad moments has been part of the team, putting it together.” This professionalism, his unwavering commitment, and his ability to rally the team, whether celebrating on the top step of the podium or battling through difficult weekends, defined his tenure. In the high-pressure environment of Formula 1, especially at a team like Ferrari where expectations are perpetually sky-high, such consistent dedication is invaluable.
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A Season of Struggle: The Challenging 2020 Campaign
Vettel’s final season at Ferrari, however, contrasted starkly with his winning record, proving to be one of the team’s least successful in many years. The 2020 championship saw Ferrari finish a disappointing sixth in the constructors’ standings, their worst result since the challenging season of 1980. This performance underscored the deep-seated issues that plagued the team’s car, particularly its engine, and aerodynamics, hindering both Vettel and his promising teammate, Charles Leclerc. Neither driver managed to score points in the final two races, a stark indicator of the competitive deficit they faced against rivals.
Despite the grim on-track reality, Mekies emphasized Vettel’s unyielding spirit and leadership. “Of course we are finishing in the most difficult scenario possible,” he acknowledged, reflecting on the challenging circumstances. “But even in these conditions, it’s been a year where he has been pulling us together, always keeping constructive and positive no matter what difficulties we were having.” This steadfast demeanor, his ability to maintain morale and foster a constructive atmosphere even when results were elusive, resonated deeply within the team. Managing and motivating a vast organization like Ferrari, with hundreds of dedicated individuals spanning the race track and the legendary factory in Maranello, requires a leader who can inspire even through adversity. Vettel, according to Mekies, embodied that leadership.
Vettel’s Heartfelt Reflections: Beyond Titles and Victories
Sebastian Vettel himself offered a poignant reflection on his time at Ferrari, underscoring that his experience transcended mere professional obligations. He spoke of cherishing the bonds formed, “not just with the professionals but also with the people ‘behind the red dress’, with a great passion that drives them and the commitment they have towards the team – the guys in the garage, the guys in the engineering office, the guys in Maranello.” This insight into the human element of Ferrari, the dedicated individuals whose lives are interwoven with the team’s fortunes, revealed the depth of his connection. The Scuderia isn’t just a racing team; it’s a family, a cultural institution, and a symbol of Italian pride, and Vettel clearly felt that connection.
“Obviously there are many reasons why you can be at Ferrari and not succeed, it is the mission that we set out to achieve but what you keep is the memories, the passion which I shared with so many people along the way,” he added. This statement encapsulated the paradox of his Ferrari journey: the ultimate goal of a world championship remained elusive, yet the richness of the experience, the shared passion, and the bonds forged were victories in themselves. For many drivers, racing for Ferrari is a childhood dream, and Vettel lived that dream, experiencing the unique blend of pressure, history, and fervent support that comes with wearing the red overalls.
Reaching the culmination of his tenure as a Ferrari driver was, as Vettel described, an intensely emotional moment. Yet, looking back, he harbored no regrets. “I have no regrets looking back. Certainly there’s been mistakes, there have been highs and lows but I think it has sunk in. I’m not normally the most emotional guy, it’s not today that I will remember after finishing 14th, but looking at the big picture it’s a day that I will treasure.” This measured yet heartfelt reflection demonstrated a maturity born of experience. He acknowledged the inevitable bumps in the road, the moments of triumph, and the periods of struggle, but ultimately found solace and gratitude in the overarching journey.
A Future Beyond Red: Lessons Learned and Lasting Bonds
His farewell was not just to a team, but to a multitude of friends and colleagues. “It’s a goodbye to many friends and many people that I have worked with a lot in the last years, so those I will miss. But I’m sure that I will not miss them completely – we have a saying in German, I don’t know if you have it in English, but it’s that you always see each other twice in life.” This German proverb, roughly translating to “you always meet twice in life,” speaks to the enduring nature of relationships forged in the intense crucible of Formula 1. It’s a testament to the hope that paths will cross again, perhaps in a different capacity, but with shared memories and mutual respect intact.
“I think time will tell but I’ve learnt so much from this team and they’ve given me so much, I’m very grateful for that. It’s beyond titles or victories. For sure, that’s what we were after, but in the end we didn’t get but it doesn’t change anything and I wish this team well.” Vettel’s parting words were a powerful affirmation of the growth he experienced and the profound gratitude he felt. While the ultimate objective of a championship remained unachieved, the personal development, the lessons learned, and the human connections forged transcended the trophy cabinet. His gracious departure, wishing Ferrari nothing but the best for their future endeavors, encapsulated the true spirit of sportsmanship and the deep respect he held for the Scuderia. As he moved on to a new chapter in his illustrious career, Sebastian Vettel left Ferrari not as a failed champion, but as a respected figure who gave his all, leaving behind a legacy of passion, professionalism, and enduring human connection.
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