Sebastian Vettel says he was "sh**ting myself" in the closing laps of his first victory for Ferrari at the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Starting from second on the grid, Vettel took the lead early on as both Mercedes car pitted during a safety car period. However, he had the pace to give himself a comfortably cushion going in to the final stint which Lewis Hamilton could not close down, and Vettel admits he was nervous as he realised he was going to win on only his second appearance for Ferrari.
"A phenomenal day," Vettel said. "How does it feel? It feels incredible. To see the guys when I was on the podium, to look down, it was an incredible atmosphere. I can only recall from the victories Fernando [Alonso] had with Ferrari and recall especially the victories Michael [Schumacher] celebrated with the team – I think there were one or two – it’s incredible.
"To become part of that team is something special. It makes me very happy obviously. Last year was tough. The first win since more than a year’s time now. I definitely missed not just the champagne but the top step in particular. So great to come back after a tough season last year where I think I just didn’t get on top of the car. This year the balance of the car seems to suit me and has come my way, also I think Kimi [Raikkonen]’s way more than last year in general. Very pleased.
"To be honest … I shouldn’t say it but I don’t know, I was sh**ting myself the last couple of laps because here and there the thought was coming to my head, I was looking at the top of the chassis and thinking 'this is a red, you’re about to win' and then I thought, 'OK, stop thinking that, otherwise you’ll miss the next apex or something'.
"Really, really a great relief I crossed the chequered flag and saw the guys, as I said, on the podium. So a really special day and a big thanks to all the mechanics and engineers and all the team in Maranello. There are a lot of people there and a lot of potential and power going into the project. I think we have done a massive step over the winter and it’s their victory."
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