Sebastian Vettel took the opportunity on Wednesday to thank every member of staff at Ferrari’s Maranello factory for their part in his Malaysian Grand Prix victory last weekend.
The German took a shock win for the Italian outfit by beating Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in just his second race for the team.
Addressing the waiting crowd on Wednesday morning, he described his first for Ferrari and the team’s first since the 2013 Spanish GP as “very, very special”.
“It was a very emotional moment,” he said in Italian. “I have won many races, but the first one with Ferrari is very, very special.
“On Sunday night I wanted to celebrate with the mechanics and I said to them, ‘thanks a lot, but I want to be one of you, no more no less. I am part of the team and, even if out on track, I’m alone, I know that really I never am, because I am always with you. I want to thank you for giving me a nice car and I think, in fact I know, that we will experience many more great moments together’.”
Kimi Raikkonen also attended to offer his congratulations, though he was only present via phone as he is currently at home in Finland celebrating his son’s christening.
Team principal Maurizio Arrivabene also thanked the team, but reminded them that this win is only the starting point.
“I think that, the ‘forza Ferrari!’ from Seb over the radio immediately after taking the chequered flag, was not just for the achievement of a childhood dream, but also for memories of the moments spent with another great champion, who won so much for Ferrari, namely Michael [Schumacher] and above all there was the joy of being there with all of you. You have been here for such a long time and you deserve it.”
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