Sebastian Vettel wants to end his career at Ferrari with the “best possible result” at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
After six seasons in red, the four-time world champion will be replaced by Carlos Sainz in 2021, with Vettel himself moving on to Aston Martin in the seat currently held by Sergio Perez.
And despite what has been a difficult year, with the German only 13th in the Drivers’ Championship, Vettel reflected on a rollercoaster ride at Maranello and looked ahead to Yas Marina.
“I will give my maximum, as always, and being my last race with the team, I hope we can enjoy it and get the best possible result,” he said.
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“The years with Scuderia Ferrari have been a great journey in which together we have learned so much. There have been ups and downs and we have been close to winning the title twice but it was not to be. I am happy that we have won 14 races together but for sure we wanted more.
“This weekend I will be using a special helmet to thank the team and all the Tifosi for their great support over the last six years.
“The fact that I am wearing different colours next year won’t stop me from wanting to chat with the friends I am leaving in Ferrari. Your passion and your support are part of the reason why this team is so special.”
Recently, Vettel spoke to French newspaper L’Equipe about his looming departure from the Scuderia and spoke of his emotions upon realising he would not be staying next year back in May.
“It doesn’t matter in the end. I have accepted the decision,” he said. “When Mattia [Binotto] called I knew, by the sound of his voice, that I couldn’t do anything to make him change his mind. There was no point trying to convince him.
“It took me time to digest it, to understand what I wanted to do next. I don’t see myself still in F1 when I am 40, but I do think I can still give something, especially with everything I have done in the sport, Vettel stated.
“More than feeling pain I was confused. Until this call, we were talking about extending my contract. The decision not to keep me came from nowhere.
“I wish they had talked to me before or at least mentioned it sooner. I understand why the team need to move on. I need to do the same, but it changed the season even before it started because everyone knew I was no longer part of Ferrari’s future.”
For many, the turning point in Vettel’s relationship with Ferrari was the arrival of Charles Leclerc last year, with the Monegasque largely outperforming Seb during their two seasons together.
And though there has been some on-track incidents and tension, the 33-year-old insisted there were no hard feelings.
“I never had any problems with Charles,” he claimed. “I even enjoyed working with him very much. We all know he is the future of Ferrari.”