Abu Dhabi: Vettel’s Farewell to Red Bull F1
Excluded from the qualifiers due to a non-compliant front wing, the Red Bull drivers were destined for a remarkable comeback. Mission accomplished for Daniel Ricciardo with a commendable 4th place, while Sebastian Vettel ends his collaboration with Red Bull in 8th place.
Daniel Ricciardo had a race that mirrored his season: superb. Indeed, the young Australian once again justified his third place in the Drivers’ Championship by finishing 4th after starting from the pits. This was only possible thanks to a crazy series of overtakes, which could only delight him: « Yes, I am very happy. I think it was a flawless race, in terms of strategy, for me and during the pit stops. Everything went well and we did everything we needed to do. It was fun overtaking. We didn’t get bored. It was exactly what I was asking for. »
The competitor in him could obviously only regret not stepping onto the podium again: « One place higher would have been nice, but 4th is already very cool starting from the pit lane. It has been a perfect season, as perfect as it could be without the title. So I have no regrets, no complaints. »
But the emotion was obviously even more present on the other side of the garage, with Sebastian Vettel’s farewell to the team that made him win everything since his F1 debut: « I think the last six years have been a fantastic journey. Obviously, we didn’t expect this when we started working together. You can never expect four consecutive Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles. This leads you to get to know some people very well and to build long-lasting friendships with them. You go through good times, bad times, but you go through them together and I think I’ve learned a lot. »
He then only had to thank his team for the journey they had traveled together. Before turning towards his future in red in the coming days to embark on the quest for the title with Ferrari once again.
