Sebastian Vettel is not focused on his impending Formula 1 retirement as Aston Martin still face a challenge in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Vettel will start his 299th and final Grand Prix from ninth on the grid after a strong qualifying session at the Yas Marina Circuit, with Aston currently seventh in the Constructors' standings. They are just five points behind Alfa Romeo in the race for sixth place and, with both Astons ahead of the Alfa duo on the grid, Vettel is keen to go out strongly and deliver the higher position for the team.
Vettel on Aston challenge
"Absolutely, we'll try to do that [finish sixth in the standings]," the four-time World Champion explained to media, including RacingNews365.com. "We'll see what happens but I feel we have the right tyres with us, and I think it should be good." With Vettel in ninth, teammate Lance Stroll will roll off 14th, while Alfa Romeo suffered a poor session under the lights, claiming 15th and 18th for Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas respectively. The German also noted the emotional aspect of his final qualifying in F1, having taken 57 pole positions in 300 entries, a conversation rate of about one in six. "Before qualifying. I had some thoughts about the people that can't be here because they're not with us anymore, or they didn't make it," he explained. "So obviously, there's a lot of people that are here, which is very special. "It's been a long time, and it's a funny feeling, I have to admit. "But as soon as you're in the car, you drive out and you're quite busy. "I guess it was a good sign, and I think it was a good session."
Most read
