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IMAGO / HochZwei Sebastian Vettel (DEU), F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on September 21, 2023 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by HOCH ZWEI) Suzuka Japan * Sebastian Vettel DEU , F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on September 21, 2023 in Suzuka, Japan Photo by HOCH ZWEI Suzuka Japan
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IMAGO / HochZwei Sebastian Vettel (DEU), F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on September 21, 2023 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by HOCH ZWEI) Suzuka Japan * Sebastian Vettel DEU , F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on September 21, 2023 in Suzuka, Japan Photo by HOCH ZWEI Suzuka Japan
Suzuka Circuit was alive with more than just the roar of engines this weekend. As Sebastian Vettel, the beloved F1 icon, expressed his feelings about his retirement during a trackside interview, the audience responded with an overwhelming wave of nostalgia and affection.
While the F1 circus thrives on fierce competition, it’s not all about rubber on the asphalt. This week, Vettel took a pit-stop from the usual chatter to give bees a chance to thrive. All credit to Vettel’s fervent efforts in championing a cause beyond the chequered flag: biodiversity. Although fans are super happy to see Seb return to the paddock in any capacity, a recent interview is all the rage. They want Seb back. Period.
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Kongresse, SPOBIS SPOBIS Conference 2023 31.05.2023, Congress Center Düsseldorf Sebastian Vettel Düsseldorf Congress Center Düsseldorf Nordrhein-Westfahlen Deutschland *** Sports, Congresses, SPOBIS SPOBIS Conference 2023 31 05 2023, Congress Center Düsseldorf Sebastian Vettel Düsseldorf Congress Center Düsseldorf North Rhine Westphalia Germany
His eyes glued to the speeding cars, Vettel said in the interview, “It hurts to be on the sidelines and watch these cars go by. I knew it would be difficult to be here, but here it is extremely difficult. I mean, this was my favorite track.” This simple confession made the emotional weight of his retirement palpable to every fan in attendance.
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Cue the instantaneous and heartfelt chants of “Come back, Seb!” that echoed around Twitter. It was as if the F1 gods had orchestrated this poignant moment, the collective voices of thousands united in a singular wish.
Seb’s return resonated not only within him but also among fans globally. Many cheekily nudged him to rethink retirement, while others poured out their heartfelt admiration for his monumental impact on the sport.
Fans will go any distance to have Sebastian Vettel back
Here’s the proof, some of the best tweets show just how much fans are not over the legendary icon of this sport.
THEN COME BACK I AM ON MY KNEES AND I AM BEGGING YOU AT THIS POINT https://t.co/jHDQzT58kb
— yiota (@seimeiseb) September 22, 2023
There’s no denying the love and passion fans have for Seb! The German mentioned last year that one track he would come to would be Suzuka.
We should let him do more sustainability events trackside so he will miss racing enough to come back 🥺 https://t.co/MgGS2EBdvS
— Sara 🏎️🏁 | Singapore GP (@pitlanechaos) September 22, 2023
While he has kept his promise, it is just for his ‘Bee home’ project. The F1 would have hoped that Vettel would have come to race in Japan. Still, the love for Seb is so real at the track too!
Here’s to hoping he feels the energy and love from all the fans to feel the urge for a racing comeback!
kind of hurts to see him wearing that white thing trackside..he belongs to the track, not on the side 🥲 https://t.co/FuwPdmJMWz
— shiela belen I #DankeSeb💚 #RIPJDF (@shiela_sg) September 22, 2023
Seeing Seb in any role is a treat, but we all know where his heart truly races!
He should come to more races and watch them track side…..atleast then he will come back to F1 in some capacity 😭
— Rish| F1 Fan (@f1fans28) September 22, 2023
There’s always a place for legends in F1, in any capacity!
seb you gotta come back please 🤞🏽
— Ifigeneia💜StillWeRise 🏎 was in hungary🛸 (@Ifigeneia44) September 22, 2023
Oh, the feels! Maybe Seb’s just getting a different perspective before making a grand comeback? 😉
Then come back Seb 🥲
— Ro (@racingwithro) September 22, 2023
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Absolutely Seb! The 4-time champion’s got that magnetic effect, doesn’t he?
Then come back Seb 🥲
— Ro (@racingwithro) September 22, 2023
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Though Vettel might be watching from the sidelines for now, one thing’s for sure: the fans will always have a special place for him in their hearts. And who knows, with such roaring support, might we see him buckle up once more? One can only hope!
WATCH THIS STORY | Lewis Hamilton Expresses Gratitude to Sebastian Vettel for Saving Him in “Brave” Fashion From Horrific Reality of F1