Sebastian Vettel will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the 2022 season, with the four-time world champion calling time on his 15-year F1 career.
The German driver, who currently races for Aston Martin, cited his family as one of the central reasons behind his decision as well as the stresses and strains of maintaining a full-time career at motor racing’s top level.
He said: “My passion for racing and Formula 1 comes with a lot of time spent away from them and takes a lot of energy. Committing to my passion the way I did, and the way I think that is right, does no longer go side by side with my wish to be a great father and husband.
“But today is not about saying goodbye. Rather, it is about saying thank you - to everyone - not least to the fans, without whose passionate support Formula 1 could not exist."
Vettel added: “Being a racing driver has never been my sole identity. I very much believe in identity by who we are and how we treat others.”
The German went on to reinforce his faith in the Aston Martin team, stating that “although the results had not been as good as we had hoped, it is very clear to me that everything is being put together that a team needs to race at the very highest level for years to come”.
Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin chairman, said: “He is one of the all-time greats of Formula 1 and it has been a privilege to have been able to work with him.”
Vettel made his debut with BMW Sauber at the 2007 US Grand Prix. During his 25-race stint with Toro Rosso, he became the youngest F1 pole sitter and (then) winner at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix.
After signing for Red Bull and winning four consecutive world titles, from 2010 to 2013, Vettel moved to Ferrari for 2015. In a varied stint with the Scuderia, the German claimed 14 victories but missed out on the world title twice, in 2017 and 2018.
Vettel is currently in his second season with Aston Martin, having claimed the team’s first podium at last year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
It is currently unknown who is likely to replace Vettel, whose time in F1 has yielded 53 wins, 122 podiums, 57 pole positions, 38 fastest laps and four straight championships.
By Hamir Thapar
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I never liked Seb or his Dominince during his Red Bull years but I warmed to him when he moved to Ferrari and its such a pity he did not win the WDC in 2017 or 18 with them.
I wish him well for his future. He is certainly a lot more likeable these days and a great ambassador for the sport.
Although he shouldn't mix his politics with sport especially on Climate Change and LGBT issues.
You can tell from Seb's statement that climate change and the current environmental impact of F1 has contributed to this decision, so at least he has the integrity to action against his beliefs.
why not? He has a position of influence in a notoriously heterosexual, white male sport, showing support for diversity should absolutely be encouraged, especially when they visit countries where such things are illegal with extreme punishments.
Also, Your examples aren't politics, but science and equality.
People refer to Hamilton and Mercedes dominance, forgetting that Vettel was leading the wdc for Ferrari before Hamilton caught and passed him, it was no walk in the park for Hamilton, Vettel in the Ferrari was mighty, but couldn't maintain the advantage, people only seem to remember his bad times at Ferrari, he had a couple of fantastic years there.
Seems to be a little out of place with all the other replies.
I was agreeing with fast Renault fan regarding his time with Redbull then moving onto Ferrari, and how I too preferred him as a Ferrari driver.
I think his politics are spot on, he has the integrity to make these points on climate and equality and is wholly justified in using his platform to do so.
When he crashed at Hockenheim a few years back there were signs then he wasn't the driver he was.