F1 world pays retiring Vettel tribute ahead Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

After 15 years, 298 race starts with BMW Sauber, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari, and Aston Martin, Sebastian Vettel heads into retirement with four drivers’ world titles, 53 race wins, 57 pole positions

Sebastian Vettel will start his final race as a Formula One driver with his usual competitive sense of purpose and a warm glow in his heart on Sunday.

He will be ninth on the Abu Dhabi grid for Aston Martin, following a qualifying session preceded by days of emotional send-offs from rivals and friends in a manner rarely seen in the cut-throat world of Grand Prix motor racing.

Two successive last suppers with fellow drivers on Thursday and Friday, a run of news briefings, and, after Saturday’s final qualifying fling, a track run at the Yas Marina Circuit with competitors and reporters.

After 15 years, 298 race starts with BMW Sauber, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari, and Aston Martin, he heads into retirement with four drivers’ world titles, 53 race wins, 57 pole positions and a chorus of tributes ringing in his ears.

More than that, he conducted himself with a real sense of humanity, mixing a mischievous sense of fun with a serious appreciation of his responsibilities as a role model.

“It is going to be sad to see him leave,” said seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, one of the 35-year-old German’s greatest rivals for many years.

“It has been an unexpected relationship and friendship. It is so difficult when you are so competitive, and you’re both fighting for something you are passionate about.