A “strange” feeling to miss the start of the season for Vettel

And finally Covid-19 got the better of Sebastian Vettel. A few days after the last pre-season tests in Bahrain (March 10-12) and less than a week before the first Grand Prix of the season on the same circuit, the quadruple world champion tested positive and logically replaced by Nico Hulkenberg thus missing his first race since the 2007 European Grand Prix at the Nürburgring.

Unfortunately, his unavailability extended to a Grand Prix and Sebastian Vettel was unable to attend in Saudi Arabia where his compatriot once again replaced him. Back after two weeks of convalescence, the German spoke of this period when he had to follow his comrades on television.

« It was weird, replied Sebastian Vettel when taking stock of his absence. It was weird to watch (on the television) but I've also had races where I didn't feel good and I ran. This time was not possible. It was the right decision. It was weird but on the other hand it was also interesting to follow it all from the outside."

Concerning his substitute Nico Hülkenberg, Sebastian Vettel did not hesitate for a single second to take his hat off to him. “ Nico did very well without any preparation before getting in the car to carry out such a mission."

A complicated return

Back in Australia for his first Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel did not have his best Friday. Halted in his momentum by an engine failure at the end of free practice 1, the German returned to the pit lane on a scooter passing through the circuit which earned him a summons to the race management and a fine of 5 euros. To top it off, he was unable to participate in the 2^e test session since the new powertrain of its AMR22 could not be installed in time.

This is the most iconic end to a practice session we can remember 😅#AusGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/4jPlAZotzd

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 8, 2022

The mechanics ofAston Martin had a lot of work with Sebastian Vettel's AMR22. ©DPPI

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