Vettel rues Aston Martin strategy as F1 career ends with point
Vettel rues Aston Martin strategy as F1 career ends with point
Sebastian Vettel was left to rue Aston Martin's decision to take on a one-stop strategy as his F1 career ended with a points finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The German started ninth and held position in a gripping battle with Alpine's Esteban Ocon in the early stages of the race.
But when the Frenchman pitted for the first of two stops, Vettel ploughed on 10 laps further, losing track position as his tyre life waned.
Had it not been for Lewis Hamilton's retirement in the closing stages, the four-time champion would have finished without a point after being a "sitting duck" as others raced past with fresher rubber.
But having finished tenth to bow out of the sport, Vettel said: "You know how it is, I wish it had been a couple more points.
"I enjoyed the race, it was a bit of a different warm-up to get into the race but once the lights went off it was full-on race mode.
"We didn't go for best strategy which was a shame because we could have turned the constructors' championship for us.
"But overall, a big day and a big thank you to all the support, so many flags and smiling faces which has been very special, very nice.
"I am sure I am going to miss more than I understand right now."
Vettel joy in Ricciardo battle
Fittingly, Vettel's final F1 battle came against McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo over ninth place.
The former Red Bull team-mates both exit the sport at the end of the year, though the Australian is expected to return in some capacity with Red Bull next season.
"I had a nice battle with Daniel but just couldn't get close enough," added Vettel.
"It is nice to also fight with him for the last couple of laps and both of us finish in the points."
Following up on the strategy decision, the 53-time grand prix winner explained: "We opted to stay out and once the tyres were getting older, we were going backwards but when we committed to the one-stop, that was it.
"It was the slower strategy today so not so enjoyable when you are in the car and you are going backwards."
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Audi agree STAR driver contract as Mercedes driver tipped for new F1 seat THIS season - GPFans F1 Recap
- 3 minutes ago
Ferrari show off new-look drivers following HUGE announcement
- 1 hour ago
McLaren leading fight for HUGE cash injection
- 2 hours ago
Newey set to announce STUNNING Red Bull departure
- Yesterday 17:57
Newey Red Bull exit wish CONFIRMED as F1 guru's reasons revealed
- 3 hours ago
F1 legend reveals 'FLOOD' of death threats after controversial decision
- Yesterday 19:57
Related news
F1 track to test stunning new driver format
Verstappen caught red-handed in failed Red Bull sabotage
Verstappen's F1 break includes one major omission
Marko mourns death of key Red Bull figure after championship win
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860