Sebastian Vettel has been one of the most prominent figures in the paddock since his Formula 1 debut in 2007. Known for being an advocate for issues such as global warming, Vettel hits the race tracks on a bike, and sometimes even stays back for cleaning in the stands after the races. He is without a doubt one of the nicest people on the Formula 1 grid, and while his activities to make the world a better place certainly do not go unnoticed, what he is best known for are his extraordinary skills. of driving, especially since the days of Red Bull. Sebastian Vettel may have had his share of ups and downs in his Formula 1 career, but with 4 world championships and 53 race wins under his belt, he is undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers of them all. times in Formula 1. to retire after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, we take a look at his top 5 Grand Prix performances, which stand out from the rest.
5. Indian GP 2013
Although it may not have been one of the races with an epic duel, or a race with a remarkable comeback, but the 2013 Indian Grand Prix was the race where Sebastian Vettel was crowned with his fourth and last world title. Starting the race from pole position, Vettel took over everyone and was already 4 seconds ahead at the end of the first lap. However, Red Bull opted to pit him early as part of an aggressive strategy, and although that fell back down to 17th, Vettel quickly gained places and found himself in P2 in 24th. round.
Sebastian Vettel bowed to his Red Bull RB9 after winning the 2013 Indian GP, and his fourth title with it.
In the end, Vettel won the race, finishing nearly half a minute ahead of second-placed Nico Rosberg; a finish that resulted in a photo that is embedded in the memories of every Vettel fan. It was winning no. 6 of 9 consecutive races Vettel won that year, equaling Michael Schumacher’s ‘9 wins in a row’, a record that stands to this day. Vettel also won a record 13 races in 2013, a number which was beaten by Max Verstappen this year.
4. 2008 Italian GP
2008 was Vettel’s first full season in Formula 1, and by the age of 21 he had already started making headlines. But he got his first redemption when he secured his first career pole position and first Grand Prix win at the 2008 Italian GP.
Vettel became the youngest poleman and youngest winner of the 2008 Italian GP.
Driving for Toro Rosso, Vettel set a good lap in wet qualifying early on, and with conditions worsening no one could match his lap time. After starting the Grand Prix behind a safety car, Vettel took charge of the wet race to take a huge lead on the opening lap himself, and although he made a few mistakes, his strong pace helped Toro Rosso to claim his first victory in Formula 1; at the team’s home GP. Vettel also broke the record for the youngest poleman ever and the youngest Formula 1 Grand Prix winner at the time in a dominating display, paving the way for a Red Bull seat in 2009.
3. German GP 2019
After the early crash at the 2018 German GP – where he was leading the race – Vettel looked to redeem himself at the 2019 German GP. But the road was tough for him as he was about to start his home race Lastly. But chaos unfolded in front of him as the rain poured down, knocking many leading runners and midfielders out of contention for podium places. Vettel shone through the gloomy weather to keep his composure and made up place after place. He took the early risk of switching to slicks, and after another shower in the race Vettel made a few more pit stops and held climbing positions, eventually finishing P2 in the race behind Verstappen. While not a race win, it was one of the best comeback performances of his career, earning him a spot on our list.
Vettel drove a miraculous recovery run to finish P2 after starting last, P20.
2. Abu Dhabi GP 2010
Before the 2010 season finale in Abu Dhabi, there were still 4 drivers in contention for the title. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso leads the standings with Mark Webber 8 points and Vettel 15 points behind the Spaniard. Vettel had an outside chance to win the championship, and he put himself in the best position to claim victory by qualifying P1.
Vettel managed to convert a 15-point deficit into a championship victory at the 2010 Abu Dhabi GP, to make him the youngest world champion in history.
On race day, Vettel led comfortably from the start, but all Alonso had to do was finish in the top five to be the world champion. Alonso and Webber stopped early, and both found themselves stuck behind slower cars, unable to pass the infamous Yas Marina layout. In the end, Alonso could only finish P7 and Vettel took the win, and the championship with it. At the age of 23, Sebastian Vettel became the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.
1. Brazil GP 2012
If there was one race that beat Vettel’s comeback performance at the 2019 German Grand Prix, it was this one, the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix. 2012 season, Vettel led the championship, but was closely followed by Fernando Alonso. Both contenders had below-average qualifying runs, with Vettel qualifying fourth and Alonso eighth. If that wasn’t enough, Vettel was involved in an incident on the first lap of the race, which left him in P22, and with a damaged car.
Despite crashing at the start and car damage, Vettel recovered from 22nd to 6th place in Brazil to claim the 2012 title by 3 points.
Thereupon Vettel had an incredible comeback run, passing car after car. Helped by a little rain, Vettel could climb to P6 by the end of the race. Alonso drove beautifully to secure P2 but it wasn’t enough as Vettel claimed his third crown just 3 points behind the Spaniard.
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