The DILF (Sebastian Vettel)

52. Du Bist Weltmeister

The fireworks exploded into the sky in Abu Dhabi as Seb crossed the line to be crowned the 2024 World Drivers
Champion. He hadn't won the race, that honour had gone to his teammate, but his last lap pass on Charles Leclerc for third had given him the points he needed to regain the crown he'd last won eleven years before.

He could hear the excited screams of Toto and Bono in his ear but he couldn't speak. He was too busy crying. It took him half of the slow down lap before he started whooping and cheering.

"Yes!!! We did it! After everything, we did it. Thank you to everyone. It's been a real team effort. Thank you for welcoming me, thank you for choosing me in the first place and putting your trust in me, and thank you to Lewis for retiring hahaha. I never thought I'd ever be in this position again, and besides the team there is one person who made all of this possible. My wife, Savannah. Savannah baby, I wish you were here, but I know you're watching at home. I love you! This is for you!"

As he reached the main straight he slowed to a stop before spinning the car around several times, performing celebratory donuts.

Smoke from the tyres covered the straight, it took a minute for it to clear. When it cleared Seb had parked up by the number 3 board and was climbing out of the car. He stood on top of it, his hands in the air. Then he bunched one hand into a fist and rose his index finger defiantly. That would show the critics, the ones that said he couldn't do it, the ones that said he was past his prime. He'd proved them wrong. He was Sebastian Vettel, five times champion of the world.

He jumped down and headed over to George, they hugged, slapping each other on the back. What a first season together!

Then he went over to Max. The Dutchman had given it all but in the end Seb had been just too good.

"Well done man," Max said despondently, holding his hand out. Seb ignored his hand and pulled him into a hug.

"You'll be champion again one day," he told him.

He released Max and ran over to his team, falling into their arms. After a minute Antti pulled him away so he could go and get weighed.  After that he removed his helmet and put on the cap Britta was holding out to him.   He threw his arms around her and Antti, hugging them tightly and thanking them for everything. Then he headed over to be interviewed by his old teammate, Mark Webber. 

"Seb, congratulations.  Title number five.  Sum up for us how it feels."  Seb laughed. 

"I really haven't found the words yet.  It's unbelievable.  Eighteen months ago I had no idea I'd ever drive a Formula 1 car again, now here I am.   Finally champion again after all these years."

"You've had an up and down season on and off track. We won't go into that but you've come through it."

"Yeah, it's definitely been up and down. It's been hard, I won't deny it, but I've been surrounded by the best team, not just Mercedes but Antti and Britta.  They've been there for years.   And my family..." He felt his eyes pooling with tears.

"Your parents are here right?"

"Yes, and my brother and his girlfriend, Gia."

"No Mrs Vettel this weekend?   Does this mean there's baby news?   Have you got two reasons to celebrate?"   Seb laughed.

"No, she's not due until next month, but the doctors advised her not to fly.  She's at home watching with the kids.   Can I say something to her?"

"Go ahead."  Seb looked directly into the camera. 

"Hey Sav, I did it!  That was for you baby.  I wish you were here.   Thank you for being there for me, through the good days and the bad.  I love you!"