Former Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel says there are "more important things than driving in circles" after his final race in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Starting ninth, Vettel ran as high as fourth as he attempted a one-stop strategy, with his Aston Martin going on a late charge to recover after dropping to P19 following his sole stop. The four-time World Champion was hounding Daniel Ricciardo for ninth on the final lap, but could not get past as he finished his final season 11th in the standings on 37 points. Speaking after the race, Vettel was keen to see the bigger picture.
Vettel reacts to final race
"I feel a bit empty to be honest, but I can only repeat that the last two years have been very disappointing from a sporting point of view – but very useful and important to me in my life," Vettel explained after completing doughnuts on the grid. "A lot of things happened, a lot of things that I realised. I think it's a huge privilege being in the position that we are in and with that comes some responsibilities. "So I hope to pass on a little bit to the other drivers to carry on some of the good work. It's great to see that we have the power to inspire you with what we do and what we say, so I think there's far bigger and far more important things than racing in circles. "But obviously, it's what we love and, through that, if we can transfer some of the really important values that's big and I think, for that, the last two years have been great for me. "Thank you for the support and thank you for the messages, the letters and all the love in general."
Vettel on race
As for the actual race itself, Vettel questioned the team over their one-stop attempt after losing chunks of time on the old, worn Mediums, but was philosophical. "You know how it is. I wish it would have been a couple of more points," he explained. "I enjoyed the race and I think it was a bit of a different warm-up today to get into the race, but once the lights go out, it's all in race mode. "I think we today obviously didn't go for maybe the best strategy, so it was a shame because I think we could have turned this Constructors' Championship around for us but overall, obviously, a big day which has been very, very special, very nice. "I'm sure I'm going to miss it more than I understand right now. "It was a nice battle with Daniel but I just couldn't get close enough. "I think it's nice to fight with him for the last couple of laps and both of us finishing in the points."
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