On a treacherous wet afternoon at the Shanghai International Circuit, Red Bull Racing made history in Formula One. It was the day when Sebastian Vettel’s brilliance shone through, earning him the team’s first-ever win at the Chinese Grand Prix. Well, Vettel’s first pole lap again resurfaced and claimed the limelight.
Exactly 15 years ago. The first pole position of Red Bull Racing in Formula 1, by Sebastian Vettel. pic.twitter.com/3DU1KvZ95G
— 𝙑𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙡 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 (@vettelhistory) April 18, 2024
‘𝙑𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙡 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮’ as per their name on X shared a video of Sebastian Vettel’s first pole position that came 15 years ago in 2009. Despite the standing water, rivers, and even lakes on the track, Vettel navigated the difficult conditions with finesse. The safety car was deployed multiple times due to collisions and crashes, but Vettel remained unfazed. Toro Rosso’s Sébastien Buemi even nudged into the back of his car, but Vettel held his ground.
The Race Conditions and Historic Win of Sebastian Vettel
The 2009 Chinese Grand Prix was a challenging affair due to heavy rain, turning the track into an aquaplaning nightmare. But Vettel, in only his third race for Red Bull Racing, delivered an immaculate performance. Remember, he had already become the youngest-ever Grand Prix winner the previous year with Toro Rosso at just 21 years and 74 days old.
Vettel’s victory didn’t come without trials, but he made it look effortless. He led home his teammate Mark Webber, securing Red Bull Racing’s first win after 74 attempts. For team owner Dietrich Mateschitz, it was a sweet taste of victory in the fifth year of Red Bull Racing’s existence. And as for young Vettel, he couldn’t stop smiling.
Asked how he would celebrate this historic moment, Vettel quipped, “My flight is tomorrow, so I have basically all night left – and Red Bull knows how to party!
READ MORE: Former Team principal shares his emotions about leaving Haas
