Written by Leslie Okafor
After hearing the shocking announcement of his retirement from F1, we as a team thought it would be best to show our appreciation in words (as some of us might be too emotional for a video format tribute) to a legend of the sport.
We all knew this day would come at some point, everyone’s got to retire at some stage and Sebastian is no different. I guess with the rumours of positive talks about a contact extension, it just came as a huge surprise. For someone who never had social media before, he sure knew how to make an entrance— his name was trending on Twitter just because he made an Instagram account; something most of us were ecstatic about.
His decision to retire is wholeheartedly supported by the F1 community. Though it is sad for us to see him go, his goals for his family come first and that in its self is most admirable. Sebastian had already achieved so much by the age of 26; the standard he set for himself was incredibly high after becoming a four time world champion.
For me, this is the most difficult post I will write in a long time. Sebastian is my hero, and will always be. He is the reason my love for the sport is incredibly large. His passion, skill and determination has culminated an enormous number of people who have also found a hero: not just fans, but drivers also. His kindness, loyalty and desire to fight for equality has brought about a new aspect to the sport— one where we push ourselves to do more. He’s the role model this sport is so lucky to have.
I’ve been watching F1 since I was a kid, I was about six years old when Sebastian made his debut— so for me he was F1. Maybe my six year old self was distracted, which is why I don’t have the best recollection of his debut. But, my most vivid memories in F1 come from the 2010 season. I saw my favourite driver be in contention for the title, I saw people laugh at the suggestion that he could win it, and with my own two eyes— I saw him do exactly that.
I attended my first ever GP this year at Silverstone, and my one hope was to meet Sebastian. I told myself I would go home a happy girl if it happened. Firstly, I got to see him score some points, that felt like a privilege, that I was there to see him race and score points in the flesh. When he waved around with smiles during the drivers parade my heart swelled, because the person that made me love the sport so much was right there, with a big smile as usual.
I unfortunately didn’t get to properly meet him, but I did see him after the race as he was leaving and waved to him, telling him happy birthday as he was driving past. He was wearing his cool shades and sported a bright smile as he waved back. That was enough for me. Though it might not be much for some people, that moment there, filled my heart.
He broke so many records at such a young age I think we almost didn’t appreciate how good he was back then and still is, proving his untainted skill in Aston Martin- being the first to get a podium for the team. It was a fresh start for him at Aston Martin, he had high hopes for the team and aimed to achieve many great things. Sometimes life doesn’t go how we planned it, but we make the most of what we’re given. And that is what Sebastian always does.
Although it will be sad to see him go, his presence will forever be engraved in the sport he loves so much. He will never be forgotten for his talent, but also for the amazing human being that he is. We wish him all the best in his retirement, and hope that it is filled with nothing but happiness with his family.
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