Whilst drivers normally retire to their quarters, the 24-year-old German mounted the Red Bull pitwall and remained there for the entire Abu Dhabi race.
He is quoted by Kurier newspaper as admitting he had “learned something” from the experience, and even taken an active role in the race strategy deployed for his teammate Mark Webber.
“At first I only wanted to stay for five laps,” he revealed.
Dr Helmut Marko was asked if Vettel might enjoy a post-racing future on the pitwall.
“That is still far away,” the team consultant smiled, “but what he had to contribute was very enlightening.”
In reality, the entire F1 paddock – Vettel included – is now eagerly awaiting the chequered flag in Brazil and then the 2012 season, when a world championship is once again at stake.
Vettel is quoted by AS newspaper as predicting a tough contest involving his teammate Webber, Fernando Alonso, the McLaren drivers and possibly a Mercedes.
He added: “Winning this year proved that 2010 was not just bad luck for the others and good luck for me.”
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