Sebastian Vettel is known for winning. He’s won four World Championships and in the process taken 42 race victories. During each of those wins, the German has shoved his right index finger in the air to celebrate.
The ‘finger’ became such a familiar sight, fans began to hate it and Vettel even considered dropping the celebration, but eventually decided against it.
“We have had a little bit of a chat as some people for some reason seem to get offended,” he said after winning his fourth title. “But I think the most important thing is you are who you are and stick to that.”
It didn’t make an appearance in 2014, but with Vettel returning to winning ways with Ferrari on three occasions so far this season, the finger has made a comeback.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, his former Formula Renault 3.5 boss Trevor Carlin offered an explanation as to why he believes Vettel raises his index finger.
“He was massively fast and in his first season for us [in 2006] he decided to take Eau Rouge flat in a wet race,” he explained. “He had a massive accident and while he was trying to catch the accident his front wheel came off, flew over the car and caught the top of his finger – and took the top of his finger off.
“The next day he turned up at the circuit with a big bandage on his finger – and still smiling despite not being able to race. But the top of his finger had broken off and they had to stitch it back on.”
