Sebastian Vettel showed Formula 1 fans what they will be missing from next season with an eye-catching performance at the United States Grand Prix.
The German finished eighth, but that simple fact alone fails to capture the brilliance on show from the German in Austin. He survived the crash between George Russell and Carlos Sainz at the first corner to move up to sixth place, and that set the tone for the rest of his performance.
At one point he was even leading the race, in his Aston Martin, for the first time this season. That was, admittedly, owing to the fact those driving for the top teams had pitted once more than he had, but it saw the German bring up the milestone of having led 3,500 laps in his F1 career.
He might have been on track for a surprise podium finish, but had that chance scuppered by a disaster in the pit lane. Aston Martin mechanics struggled to attach the front left wheel as he came in for his final change of tyres, and he fell to 13th place after being sat still for 16.8 long and painful seconds.
But his recovery after that was phenomenal, returning to the points places swiftly before pipping Kevin Magnussen on the final lap to finish seventh. He was clearly delighted with that final move in the last few corners, as he punched the air with his fist when he crossed the line.
"He was deservedly voted driver of the day by awestruck fans, many of whom turned to social media to praise the performance and question why a man clearly still capable of brilliance is retiring. "I think we need to persuade Sebastian Vettel not to retire," wrote Matt Gallagher. "His performance yesterday was a straight 10/10."
Ed Spencer agreed, adding: "I do wonder sometimes is Seb Vettel really going to retire soon? Man's still got loads of energy to do three more years after another classy drive." Martin Brundle was also impressed in the commentary booth, as he said: "Vettel driving like a man possessed, and he's retiring!"
Sadly, those holding onto a glimmer of hope that the rush might convince Vettel to reconsider his retirement should not hold their breath. He admitted he would "miss the adrenaline" of completing overtakes like the one on Magnussen, but made it clear that he would not be changing his mind about stepping away from F1.
"Obviously, I will miss these moments. That's not a secret," he said. "But I did think long and hard making the decision and I also thought about these moments that I will miss the adrenaline, and so on. Obviously, parts of me will miss those a lot – other parts are looking forward to what's coming."
