Sebastian Vettel has paid tribute to Sir Stirling Moss, who passed away last week, saying he deserved to win the world championship which repeatedly eluded him.
Moss finished runner-up in the world championship in four consecutive seasons from 1955 to 1958. He died at his home in London last week at the age of 90.Speaking in a press conference on Thursday, Vettel described Moss as one of the sport’s greatest competitors despite not having won the Formula 1 drivers’ championship.
“I think he is a great person and obviously an amazing driver in his time,” said Vettel. “He will be missed.
“We were very lucky to have so much of him and so late in his life. So it’s a big shame. Obviously my thoughts are with [Lady] Susie and the family.
“He will always be remembered as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1. Obviously if you look just at Formula 1 he didn’t win the world championship but he definitely deserved to do so.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
Moss deserves to be remembered for more than just his motor racing achievements, said Vettel.
“What really stays around is the fact that he was such a charismatic guy and such a nice person. A true gentleman. Lots of things that come to my mind when speaking about Stirling. So for sure he will be missed.”
His death last week came following a lengthy illness, including a prolonged stay in hospital in 2016.
“Obviously he has been in the not-so-good stage for quite a while, he was in hospital for a while,” said Vettel. “So I’m quite sad that in the end he has lost his fight.”
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
2020 F1 season
- Pictures: Wrecked chassis from Grosjean’s Bahrain fireball crash to go on display
- Bottas vs Rosberg: Hamilton’s Mercedes team mates compared after 78 races each
- F1 revenues fell by $877 million in Covid-struck 2020 season
- Hamilton and Mercedes finally announce new deal for 2021 season
- F1 audience figures “strong” in 2020 despite dip in television viewers
BasCB (@bascb)
19th April 2020, 11:26
it is with things like these were the love Vettel has of the history of our sport really shines through.
Again, thank you for all you have given us fans Stirling!
Wade
20th April 2020, 3:52
My father knew Stirling in the 50’s when he was rallying in Europe. He said Stirling was a gentleman, and a kind racer, gave him tips and advice on driving and always had time to talk. My father really respected Sterling in his entire life, which he didn’t do with many people.
I was sad to read that Stirling had passed away and my thoughts and sympathy are with his family.
John Richards (@legardforpresident)
20th April 2020, 5:22
Ironic, coming from a man who is pound for pound one of the most undeserving champions in the history in the sport.
John Richards (@legardforpresident)
20th April 2020, 7:13
*of the sport
Balue (@balue)
20th April 2020, 21:26
Such class..