Sebastian Vettel bows out of Formula 1 today as a four-time World Champion, with the German driver retiring from the sport after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
He announced his retirement earlier this year, with the Aston Martin man on his retirement tour, getting an outpouring of support at every subsequent race, with fans enjoying watching the great man one last time.
It could be a day to remember for Vettel who powered into Q3 yesterday afternoon, looking to end his illustrious career on a high.
Sebastian Vettel's final Grand Prix
Plenty of drivers this weekend are sporting helmets that pay tribute to Vettel, as well as the Aston Martin garage kitted out with plenty of pictures of the German, who has his father in attendance this weekend.
He brought with him his son's first ever race helmet and suit, putting them in the garage also to show just how far he has come since his karting days as a child, to conquer the world for four successive years where no one could get close to him on track.
It’s a sad day for the sport to say goodbye to a legend, but he’s decided it is time to call it a day, despite drivers able to go on for longer, just looks at his replacement at the team Fernando Alonso!
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 06: Second placed Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Aston Martin F1 Team celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 06, 2021 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Sebastian Vettel tributes
The tributes for Vettel have been endless as he starts ninth on the grid for his final ever race, hopefully it doesn’t end prematurely, he wouldn’t deserve that.
Before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, we saw Lewis Hamilton gather all of the drivers together for a final meal with Vettel to say goodbye to him properly, with his rival and good friend even picking up the bill on the night.
Whether it be in interviews or on social media, the drivers have all only had positive words for Vettel, which shows you just what sort of man he is, with the entire grid clearly holding him in high regard.
SUZUKA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 09: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Aston Martin F1 Team waves to the crowd on the drivers parade prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on October 09, 2022 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Sebastian Vettel guard of honour
Prior to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, all the drivers got together to give Vettel a guard of honour and it was a truly emotional moment before the race which was fitting for someone of Vettel’s calibre.
He shared a beautiful embrace with Hamilton too, the two men that have been dominant in the sport for so long together, enjoying plenty of intense battles but have clearly remained great friends.
Video: Sebastian Vettel receives guard of honour
Truly beautiful scenes.
Enjoy your retirement, Sebastian, you deserve it!