As Sebastian Vettel did donuts on the track for the last time after the Abu Dhabi GP, admirers around the globe watched with tears in their eyes. His departure from Formula 1 left fans and fellow drivers emotional. However, there was a time when former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone thought the German driver lacked “charisma”.

Sebastian Vettel had one of the most dominant runs F1 has ever witnessed. Winning 4 back-to-back championships between 2010-2013, Seb set some phenomenal records. One of those records set in the 2013 season, the record for most consecutive wins in a season (9) still stands. Lewis Hamilton has had his fair share of purple patches, but even he could not take on the record.

Why did Bernie Ecclestone think Sebastian Vettel lacked “charisma”?

Ever since his last championship win in 2013, Sebastian Vettel could not win the trophy again. In his last two seasons spent with Aston Martin, Vettel could not win a single race. Despite that, he leaves a rich racing legacy behind him which will surely be talked about for a long time. Apart from racing, Vettel also leaves behind a legacy of social and environmental activism in F1.

Bernie Ecclestone, however, thought Seb lacked the charisma that the likes of Niki Lauda and Ayrton Senna commanded in their times.

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Speaking with Bild newspaper in 2012, Ecclestone said, “He (Vettel) lacks a little charisma.”

“Guys like Hunt, Rindt, Lauda, Senna were real characters, but they can’t be like that anymore because they are protected by the team bosses far too much. Now the FIA gives them a muzzle.”

“They’re not even allowed to show their emotions.”

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The number of heartfelt messages and tributes Seb has received ever since his retirement announcement is a testament to the respect he commands in the sport. His former teammate Charles Leclerc expressed his reverence for Vettel with a sweet gesture.

Charles Leclerc’s wholesome message for Vettel

Charles Leclerc joined Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari when the German had already completed 4 years with the team. Leclerc revealed how Seb once taught him the value of little things that he did not think mattered much then. Like his many other teammates over the years, Charles too learned some valuable lessons from him.

Charles, reacting to Seb’s retirement announcement 3 months back, said, “Our relationship is very strong, and he’s just a super nice guy. I just wish him the best and as I told him before, I will always have one or two passes if he wants to come to a race because I will be very happy to see him in the paddock still next year.”

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We will certainly hope Sebastian will return to Formula 1 in some other capacity soon. If not, we hope he dedicates his time to the causes dear to his heart.