Sebastian Vettel bid an emotional farewell to Red Bull on Tuesday as he embarks upon a new challenge with Ferrari next season.
The German won four titles with the Milton Keynes team and has spent almost his entire F1 career with them – two years with Toro Rosso and six with Red Bull.
However his decision to depart to replace Fernando Alonso brings an end to the special partnership, but he couldn’t leave without saying goodbye.
“You’re not making this any easier,” was his opener, following a speech from team principal Christian Horner and chief technical officer Adrian Newey.
“The last six years have been incredible. What we’ve achieved, the work that’s gone in. So much passion, so much dedication. It will always stay in my heart. Big, big thank you to everyone. In the end we had the better car because we were the better team. Thank you really doesn’t really describe enough what I feel.”
Horner later presented Vettel with some parting gifts, which included; an espresso cup, some very tight red Speedos, a pair of sunglasses and a few ruder gifts.
He was also gifted a 50 per cent scale model bull with his championship laurels engraved on the plinth. He will also receive one of his championship-winning cars, but Horner was keen to mention that delivery would be delayed as Red Bull “don’t want it turning up in Maranello.”
Before signing gifts for staff, he added: “There’s a lot of happy memories from this place that I’m holding onto. It’s been a great journey and I’ve very grateful for what all of you did for me. I’ll shut up now.”
