Formula 1 comes together for farewell track run with Vettel

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The Formula 1 paddock donned its running shoes on Saturday evening at Yas Marina and lined up behind Sebastian Vettel for a farewell track run celebrating the four-time world champion's career ahead of his final Grand Prix. .

The 'Run with Seb' moment brought together 200 people, all wearing a special 'Danke Seb' t-shirt emblazoned with the image of Vettel bowing to his Red Bull RB9 after winning his fourth world title at the Indian Grand Prix in 2013.

Flanked by close friend Mick Schumacher, F1 boss Stefano Domenicali and many other familiar faces, Vettel addressed the group before the run.

"Run at your own pace, take it easy, go as fast as you like - it’s just a nice thing to do together," Vettel said ahead of the start.

"Thank you, Formula 1, for all these years, and thank you to all the people in the paddock. We travel the whole year together; I thought it was just a nice idea to invite everyone."

Many walked the course as not everyone had the physical form to run the 5.2 km Yas Marina track, but Vettel waited at the finish line to clap home the final participants.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.