Formula 1: Sebastian Vettel’s hilarious two-word message for Sergio Perez

Formula 1: The issue that almost cost Sergio Perez the win

Formula 1: The issue that almost cost Sergio Perez the win by Asher Fair

Sebastian Vettel attempted to congratulate Sergio Perez on his second career Formula 1 win, and he ended up sending him holiday greetings.

After a chaotic sequence of events at the end of Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku City Circuit, Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel found himself on the podium for the first time in the 2021 Formula 1 season.

The four-time world champion was running in fourth place with just over five laps remaining in this 51-lap race around the 20-turn, 3.73-mile (6.003-kilometer) temporary street circuit in Azadliq Square, Baku, Azerbaijan when race leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull crashed with a tire issue.

After the ensuing red flag period, the race was restarted with two laps remaining, and Vettel restarted in third place.

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton restarted in second place and briefly took the lead from Red Bull’s Sergio Perez.

But Hamilton locked up the brakes and went sailing into the turn one runoff area, taking him out of contention and promoting Vettel to second place.

Vettel, who had scored points in just one of his first five starts at Aston Martin, was unable to challenge Perez, whom he replaced at the team formerly known as Racing Point after the 2020 season, for the victory. But the 33-year-old German and his team were ecstatic about the brand’s first ever podium finish in Formula 1.

Vettel was also voted Driver of the Day by the fans, and as he was being instructed on the radio about where to go after his runner-up finish, he responded with a message for Perez to congratulate him in his native tongue.

In doing so, he wished him a Merry Christmas — only 202 days early.

“Yeah, will do that,” Vettel said. “Also, Felicidades.”

“Or Feliz Navidad…or whatever you say to Checo. I’m happy for him. Another win.”

The win was Perez’s second career victory, and it came six months to the day after he secured his first win in last December’s Sakhir Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit.

The next race on the 2021 Formula 1 schedule is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 20. This race, the French Grand Prix, is set to be broadcast live on ESPN from Circuit Paul Ricard beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET.