Sebastian Vettel receives an escort in the last Formula 1 race of his career. "We want a smooth weekend for him," said Alpine's two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.

The Spaniard starts the season finale in Abu Dhabi in tenth place, directly behind the German in the Aston Martin. "I'll take care of him at the start and on the first lap," announced Alonso. "Hopefully we both see the checkered flag."

Vettel is contesting the last Grand Prix of his career today (2 p.m. / Sky). Starting from ninth on the grid, he can hope for a few points at the Yas Marina Circuit. Here he became world champion for the first time in 2010.

"I was very motivated and it felt like there was a little extra in it," said Vettel after the hunt for a starting place, which went surprisingly well for him. "I hope I can get a good result in my last race."