Vettel bidding to continue season and Abu Dhabi F1 dominance
Published:The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix holds fond memories for Sebastian Vettel and although 4/5 is not the best value that he achieves another victory in the UAE, it is hard to see him being beaten.
Vettel remains the only driver to have ever won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, winning both races since its inaugural appearance on the Formula One calendar in 2009.
It will hold an even bigger place in Vettel’s heart as it was the circuit where he confirmed his maiden drivers’ title last year.
There will be no excitement to this scale this year in the penultimate race of the season as Vettel has already sealed a second championship, but that will not prevent him going all out for the victory.
Wins in the last two races will ensure that he equals the accomplishment of the legendary Michael Schumacher, taking the chequered flag on 13 occasions in the same season.
With the pressure off Vettel is simply looking forward to returning to Abu Dhabi and enjoying some of the specific quirks present at the Yas Marina circuit.
He said: “The track in Abu Dhabi is special. There are two special features – one is the passage under the Yas Hotel, where else can you actually drive under your room.
“The second is the pit-lane exit, which is also special. It’s partly underground and it feels like you’re coming out of an underground parking garage when you drive through it.”
Drivers are offered something different from the norm in Abu Dhabi and a slightly unique experience, as the race begins later in the afternoon and therefore finishes in darker conditions.
Meanwhile, the Yas Marina circuit is only one of four on the Formula One calendar that runs anti clockwise, alongside Brazil, Singapore and Turkey.
Vettel has already won the races in Turkey and Singapore this season, further showing his qualities on this type of circuit, while Brazil is the venue of the final race of the campaign.
