via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 6, 2021. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is congratulated by Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel after winning the race Pool via. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 6, 2021. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is congratulated by Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel after winning the race Pool via. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
It is that time of the year where everywhere you look, you’re greeted by the two words, ‘Merry Christmas’. But, interestingly for Sergio Perez, he received his wish from Sebastian Vettel far too early than anyone would have expected. To be precise, at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on June 6, 2021.
Does it ring a bell? Well, to those who still aren’t aware of what’s going on, let us reverse the clock back to the race around the streets of Baku, earlier this year. A bizarre race on Sunday afternoon led to an unexpected top 3 at the chequered flag.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 6, 2021 Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel celebrate with sparkling wine on the podium after finishing first and second respectively Pool via REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Perez clinched what was only the second Grand Prix win of his career, followed by Vettel with his first podium for Aston Martin and AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly locking out the final podium spot. Out of the three drivers, Vettel managed to win the ‘Driver of the Day’ award as well.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Hence, during the cooldown lap interview through team radio, Vettel had a message for Perez.
Watch Story: From Prince to the Queen: When F1 Stars Interacted With the Royal Family
Sebastian Vettel unknowingly wishes Perez Merry Christmas
The 4-time world champion tried congratulating Perez in Spanish after the latter secured his first victory for Red Bull Racing. Unfortunately for Vettel, the congratulatory message had nothing to do with the race. Instead, it meant ‘Merry Christmas’ in English.
The conversation started off with his race engineer revealing that Vettel is the ‘DOTD’. “Sebastian, there might be somebody coming on the radio to talk to you… I think you’re the driver of the day. And obviously, you need to park in P2.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Yeah, will do that. Also, Felicidades or Feliz Navidad or whatever you say to Checo,” Vettel replied to his race engineer through team radio while heading back to the parc ferme. “I’m happy for him. Another win!”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Overall, that was undoubtedly a hilarious moment to watch, with quite a few fans turning it into memes on social media. There were laughs all around following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. On the other hand, many have remained unaware of what it actually meant to this very moment. Well, we hope it’s cleared up now!
Read More: Is the Yas Marina F1 track a Street Circuit?
