Turn 2, 1st lap of the 3rd Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. All seemed to be going so smoothly for champion Sebastian Vettel. Then he was off with a puncture. Was it from contact? Was it caused by hitting a kerb hard? Would he be able to continue? (btw, with regards to the other thread, about this incident, I too initially thought it was from contact) These were the key questions of the incident. As it transpired, Vettel couldn't continue and by the end of the race it was clear that the Pirelli had suffered an instantaneous failure, but the cause of this was far from certain. That part of the incident remains unknown, but must surely be investigated further. However what happened just after the puncture is as equally intriguing as the actual incident itself. Instead of storming off into his motorhome in a rage of fury, or bursting into tears like Buemi, Sebastian Vettel sat down with a laptop to look at the telemetry to try and find out what actually happened. After speaking briefly to none other than Bernie Ecclestone, he then proceeded to go to the pitwall- not for the usual chat with the boss and engineer. No, Vettel actually remained on the pitwall for the remainder of the race, eager to find out more, develop his understanding of what goes on off the track and to assist with Mark Webber's race, where possible. This was a most revealing insight into the real Sebastian Vettel. The determination to improve, to expand his knowledge and his refusal to just walk off in a huff, in my opinion, is the mark of a true champion. If Alain Prost was referred to as 'The Professor', then want on Earth does this intriguing incident demonstrate Vettel to be?
He clearly has grown up, but in the light of his WDC, why not man up - visit the team and learn anything else ? Many others while chasing the title have cried, thrown a tantrum etc. Its a mark of a 'boy' -driver becoming a real talent and the finished article. I'm not a fan but recognise a new strength. Admirable behaviour.
What did you mean in your comment? -He was mature during the incident because he has gained the WDC already. -Other drivers would have thrown tantrums if they were fighting for the WDC. That does not make your point clear about Sebastian, to me anyway - please simplify that comment - no hard feelings. Would Sebastian have thrown a tantrum if that was a title deciding race? -You are saying NO he wouldn't?
i dont think he would have thrown a tantrum even if it had been on the championship! He is much more mature than that! I already was a fan of him but this just makes me admire him even more - im not moaning about them but take Webber and Hamilton - they have never been seen doing that, they usually (and yes there are exceptions) leave there helmet on a go off to their motorhome! Seb just tried to find the cause of the tyre failure - he also wanted to help Mark and the team out, even making a suggestion to Mark about gear choice to save fuel (according to Martin Brundle)! Im not sure Webber would try and help Vettel's race had he had a problem! p.s. i wonder what Mark's reaction was to Seb offering advice? lol!
patronising? not at all. Eternal asked what I meant so I explained. am I still unclear? what part of 'in the light of' do YOU not understand? now I am being patronising. Let me try again : Vettel did not need to get upset or cry - he had already won the WDC. Good sense meant he could take it on the chin, and go and see what he might learn from the pit wall.
I think Vettel matured before his first world title. Somewhere between the Turkey/Hungary incidents where he was impetuous afterwards and his engine failure at Korea where he extinguished his own burning car and then faced the media with dignity at what was probably the lowest point of his career. I was impressed with Vettel's behaviour and work ethic this weekend, his thirst for information is insatiable, according to Martin Brundle's column he was suggesting to Webber a different gear to use in a certain corner to save fuel. Knowing how proud Mark is that's probably the last thing he wants to hear.
After Spa I say, where the media were quick to label him "the crash kid". After Belgium, he beat Webber in every Grand Prix both in qualifying and race.
Did he mature before or after he won the WDC, the latter scenario is predictable because he had nothing to lose.
i feel he matured after his bad period in 2010 (turkey to spa) and from then has been one of the most mature drivers there! And I wonder what Mark said when Seb came on the radio: "Mark this is Sebastian, you should try using this gear in this corner, I should know I have 2 titles and you have none " hehe! LOL!
