“I’ll Do That When I’m 30 Plus”: Charismatic Sebastian Vettel Once Destroyed F1’s Playboy With a Legendary Comeback

Sebastian Vettel was absolutely lethal in his prime, as he ruled the F1 grid for 4 years. The German became the second man to win 4 consecutive championships, after Michael Schumacher, when he won the 2013 Indian GP. However, it isn’t just his racetrack outings for which he is known. Vettel is also known as the joker of the grid. His witty personality and sense of humor are appreciated by many in the paddock. This one time, the former Red Bull driver showcased his wit on the stage of the Autosport Award in 2011, humiliating a fellow driver.

Vettel and Jenson Button were fierce rivals on the racetrack. Sebastian won the 2011 championship as Jenson Button finished runner-up to the German. Moreover, during the Autosport Awards in 2011, Button congratulated Red Bull and Vettel for their dominant season in a wicked manner.

Button said, “2011 has been a really good year. It’s not been perfect. You know there’s one guy out there, Seb, and Red Bull, who have done a great job this year, I must say, staggering job.”

“We haven’t been good enough to beat them, but I did wear a tie tonight. Seb. I also have an extra one here if you want it Seb, so I’m up here.”

When it was Seb’s turn to answer, he took a dig at F1’s Playboy, saying, “Beaten by Jenson for not wearing a tie. But that’s alright. I’ll do that when I’m 30 plus.”

Button’s extravagant lifestyle back in the day earned him the ‘Playboy’ tag in the press. The Briton also accepted that he was reckless in his younger years and liked to party and buy things that he couldn’t really afford. The 2009 champion, however, admits to being a different person now.

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Vettel finished his career with 53 race wins in 299 race starts. Moreover, he was felicitated in the latest Autosport awards ahead of his retirement.

Sebastian Vettel receives Gregor Grant Award at the 2022 Autosport Awards

Sebastian Vettel announced earlier this year that he would retire from Formula 1 at the end of this season. The German driver was one of the best to grace the sport and a true racing icon. As a result, he was felicitated with the Gregor Grant Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Autosport awards ceremony.

After receiving the award, Seb was asked what he’d miss the most about racing. The German replied, “What I love so much – initially I didn’t get it because you’re young, but I think the opportunity to work with so many people that are very passionate about what they do.”

He further added, “I thought 10 years ago, ‘That’s normal, it’s how everybody lives their lives’. But then I found out it’s not normal and a lot of people don’t have that privilege.”

The 4-time champion wants to spend more time with his family post-retirement. He also revealed he was very excited about the future despite not knowing what it holds.

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Even though the German has retired, there were several rumors of Vettel returning to racing with Audi in 2026. Moreover, even Lewis Hamilton was convinced that Seb will be back in an F1 car.