Vettel wants to lay down a marker for 2018
SEBASTIAN VETTEL wants to end the season on a high on Sunday to boost his and his Ferrari team’s morale for the 2018 Formula One title fight.
Vettel lost the duel against Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton last month in Mexico but then ended a winning drought since late July with first place at the Brazilian race a fortnight ago.
Another success on Sunday at the season-ender in Abu Dhabi would indicate even more that he can challenge for the title next year.
While disappointed that he lost the title to Hamilton in the second half of the season following a bright start, Vettel still insisted “we’ve made massive progress this year” after several difficult years for Ferrari.
“I think we can all feel that we’re getting stronger so hopefully we can carry that strength into the next couple of years, not just next year,” he said. “Our objective is to bring Ferrari back properly, get there and dominate.”
Vettel could be thinking of now retired fellow-German Nico Rosberg who two years ago won the last three season races once Hamilton had wrapped up the title – and the first four of 2016 en route to lifting the trophy 12 months ago.
Vettel’s Brazilian victory all but assured himself of second place in the final standings as he moved 22 points clear of Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas.
If Vettel stays second after the day-into-night finale at the Yas Marina course it would end Mercedes total dominance from the past years with three straight one-twos 2014-16.
Vettel saluted the team for their big effort, and so did Hamilton when Mercedes celebrated the drivers’ and constructors’ titles at their factories in Brackley and Brixworth.
“This is the best championship year, because we’ve been fighting another team and because we’ve had difficulties and challenges – that just makes it so much greater,” Hamilton said.
Non-executive chairman Niki Lauda said: “This year was the most difficult one so far and next year it will be even more difficult, but I trust the team 100 percent!”
Hamilton also wants to end the season on a high, after his only major mistake of the season saw him crash in Brazil qualifying – forcing him to start the race from the pitlane from where he recovered to finish fourth.
Abu Dhabi could set the stage for the 2018 battle which will also include Red Bull who got two late-season top spots from Dutchman Max Verstappen and could challenge even more next year.
“We will of course try and end the season with a strong result in Abu Dhabi,” Verstappen said.
“Abu Dhabi is the last race on the calendar, but I don’t actually want the season to end. I’m really fired up at the moment and I just want to keep going.”
The 55-lap race will also mark the final appearance of Williams driver Felipe Massa. – dpa