via Reuters
Formula One F1- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – December 4, 2021 Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel during qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
via Reuters
Formula One F1- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – December 4, 2021 Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel during qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
The race in Jeddah was a tough one for Sebastian Vettel fans. Although qualifying went terribly for the German, there was a glimmer of hope mid-race, one that was taken away really quickly after the collision. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher had some harsh criticism for Vettel.
Vettel has had a long list of things he’s been passionate about besides racing. From picking up garbage at Silverstone to encouraging women to kart in Jeddah, Vettel has done it all. However, Ralf Schumacher thinks Vettel should focus on F1. “He has to be clear about what he wants because he has and supports a lot of projects, such as the topic Environmental Protection. I think that’s great, but the focus has to be on what he wants – or he has to leave it.”
via Reuters
Formula One F1- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – December 4, 2021 Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel in action during practice REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
A rather extreme statement from Schumacher; Vettel has proven multiple times that he can focus on both. Although Aston Martin has been slightly weak this season, they have been on the path to growth.
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Sebastian Vettel looks back at Saudi Arabian GP
Vettel started P17 in the race and had a decent start, challenging the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz as well. However, the red flags hindered the former champion’s race. Looking back at what could’ve been a better result for the team in green, Vettel explained his unlucky race.
“Things were going our way in the early part of the race. Having started in P17, we were up inside the points after the restarts. I was running ahead of the Ferraris, but we did not have the strongest pace today and we were under pressure.”
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He gave it everything out there today. 😢
We retire Seb's car, bad luck meant it just wasn't meant to be. #SaudiArabianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/4cHU6eUD0c
— Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) December 5, 2021
What added to the lack of pace was the collision with Kimi Raikkonen. The wounded Aston Martin had an excruciating run to retirement. “A tough way to end the race [with significant floor damage] and a shame we lost the chance to fight for points properly.”
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The German can end the year on a high. As the team enters the 2022 season with high expectations, maybe Vettel can finish his debut season with the team with an impressive performance.
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