Sebastian Vettel Reveals First Ferrari Win ‘Confirmed’ His Theory About the Italians

The Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari chapter in the book of F1 wasn’t a rosy picture. Indeed, it ended on a rather bitter note with Vettel enduring his worst ever F1 season in the last 12 years. However, it wasn’t all bad.

Vettel won a total of 14 races across 6 seasons for the Scuderia. It may not seem too great an achievement for a man who won 13 races in a single year with Red Bull, but it’s worth remembering that he is still Ferrari’s third most successful driver in terms of race wins.

With the German driver now moving to Aston Martin for the 2021 season, he looks back on some fondly cherished memories in the red race suit. Particularly, his first ever win with the team from Maranello.

Sebastian Vettel re lives his first win with Ferrari back in 2015

Recalling the Malaysian Grand Prix of 2015 and the aftermath, Vettel said, (translated via Google) “The first victory in the second race for Ferrari in Malaysia was something special. 

“That’s when I realized what victories really mean for Ferrari. It confirmed what I had heard before. In joy, Italians hug you more than anyone else.”

Speaking of the afterparty following that maiden victory for him in red, Vettel added, “And they can celebrate too. During the night I drank the whole hotel bar with my boys. 

“I will never forget the evenings with Mama Rosella in Fiorano. Mama Rosella has been Ferrari’s good soul for decades. She runs a restaurant right next to the Ferrari test track in Maranello. Their dishes are legendary.”

Ferrari always held, and will continue to hold, a special place in Vettel’s heart. He grew up idolizing Michael Schumacher, and it was a dream come true for him when he moved to Ferrari in 2015 after bagging 4 world titles with Red Bull.

He came to the Italian team hoping to bring back their glory days and add to his already impressive championship trophy haul. But alas, it was never to be. Nevertheless, at least he leaves the team with some good memories that he will remember forever.

The German will now be keen to look forward to the 2021 season. Embarking on a new journey with Aston Martin, he’ll be hoping to revive himself and make a run for the championship sooner rather than later.