Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement from Formula 1 at the end of this year.
Vettel is out of contract with Aston Martin at the end of this season and, after weeks of speculation over his future, has now confirmed that he will leave the sport at the end of 2022.
Vettel made the announcement via a Instagram account launched on Thursday. Prior to this announcement, the German driver had spent his entire F1 career without being on social media.
He made it clear that he wanted to spend more time with his family as well as focus on environmental issues to which he has spent an increasing amount of time in recent years.
“Besides racing, I’ve developed a family, people that I love to be around. I’ve developed other interests outside of Formula One,” Vettel said. “My passion for racing and Formula 1 comes with a lot of time spent with them and a lot of energy loss.
“Committed to passion the way I did and the way I think is right, no longer parallels my desire to be a great father and husband. The energy it takes to be one with the car. car and team, The pursuit of perfection takes focus and commitment.My goals have shifted from winning races and fighting to win championships to watching my children grow up. , pass on my values, help them up when they fall, listen to them when they need me.
“There is no need to say goodbye, and most importantly, being able to learn from them and let them inspire me. Children are our future, moreover I feel there is so much to explore. and learn about life and about yourself.
“Speaking of the future, I feel we are living in very decisive times. And how we shape the next years will determine our lives. My passion comes with a number of things. aspects that I have learned to dislike They may be resolved in the future, but the will to apply that change must be much, much stronger and must lead to action today.
“Talking is not enough and we cannot wait. There is no alternative. The race is on. My best race is still to come. I believe in moving forward and moving on. Time is a one-way street and I want to go with the times.
“Looking back only slows you down. I look forward to racing unknown distances and will seek new challenges
“The marks I leave on the way will stay until time and the rain will wash them away. New marks will be extinguished. Tomorrow belongs to today’s shapes. The next corner is in good hands. when the new generation has come in. I believe there is still a race to win.
“Farewell, thanks for allowing me to share the track with you. I love every bit of it.”
Vettel joins Aston Martin in early 2021 from Ferrari, where he has been driving since 2015. Vettel has spent six years with the famous Italian team hoping to be able to rival his boyhood hero’s records. Michael Schumacher but failed to secure the title with Ferrari.
But his legacy as one of the sport’s most successful drivers was secured during his time at Red Bull, where he won four consecutive titles between 2010 and 2013. .
Those four titles mean he is bound to Alain Prost is the fourth most successful F1 driver, after Juan Manuel Fangio (5) and Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton (7 pcs).
So far, Vettel has 53 career wins, 38 with Red Bull, 14 with Ferrari, plus his first win with Toro Rosso at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix.
