Sebastian Vettel makes 'classy' dedication to Jules Bianchi
ByAutoSport
Updated 26/07/2015 at 20:58 GMT
Ferrari Formula 1 racer Sebastian Vettel dedicated his Hungarian Grand Prix victory to Jules Bianchi on a highly-emotional day at the Hungaroring.
Winner Ferrari Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany celebrates after the Hungarian F1 Grand Prix at the Hungaroring circuit, near Budapest, Hungary July 26, 2015
Image credit: Reuters
Prior to the race all 20 drivers, along with the Bianchi family, formed a circle and put their arms around one another as a minute's silence was conducted in memory of Bianchi.
The Frenchman passed away earlier this month from injuries sustained during the Japanese Grand Prix nine months ago, with his funeral held on Tuesday and attended by numerous drivers, including Vettel.
A dramatic race concluded with Vettel claiming the 41st win of his F1 career, taking the chequered flag ahead of Red Bull duo Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo.
Over the radio Vettel initially paid homage in French to Bianchi as he said: "Merci Jules. C'est victoire est pour toi. [Thank you Jules. This victory is for you]."
The patrons of Twitter was quick to praise Vettel after his dedication.
Switching to English, the four-times champion added: "You will always be in our hearts.
"We know sooner or later Jules would have been a part of this team."
In being interviewed, Vettel again made clear his win was for Bianchi as he said:
"Incredible day, but this victory is for Jules.
"We know it has been an incredibly tough week, and for all of us very difficult, so this one is for him.
"For all the people within Ferrari, all the Ferrari fans, we knew sooner or later he would have been part of our team, part of this family."
With Vettel holding a comfortable advantage in the race, the deployment of the safety car for an incident involving Force India's Nico Hulkenberg put his win under serious threat.
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Force India Formula One driver Nico Hulkenberg of Germany walks past his car after a crash during the Hungarian F1 Grand Prix at the Hungaroring circuit, near Budapest, Hungary July 26, 2015
Image credit: Reuters
"Definitely from our point of view there was no need for that [the safety car]," Vettel said.
"It obviously made it a lot more interesting in the end.
"We had a great start, obviously it was crucial to get into the lead straight away.
"The car was difficult but great to drive, and it has been a great race, we showed great pace, so thanks to the team for the recovery since Friday.
"Today it just came together, and despite the safety car we still managed to win, so this one is for the team as well."
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