Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel ends his career in Formula 1 at the end of the season. The 35-year-old announced this on his Instagram channel on Thursday.
The Aston Martin driver gave personal reasons for his decision. "Being a racing driver was never my only identity," said Vettel in his video message. He is also a father and husband of three and has many other interests. "My passion for Formula 1 goes hand in hand with a lot of time. Time that I want to spend with my family." His involvement in Formula 1 and his private interests and needs no longer matched. "My goals have changed: away from winning races and fighting for championships, towards my children. I want to see them grow up, pass on my values to them, listen to them and not have to say goodbye anymore."
Vettel also criticized his sport in the statement: "Being a Formula 1 driver brings things with it that I no longer like. Maybe these will be solved at some point. But the will to implement these changes must be much stronger and already today lead to action. Talking is no longer enough and we can't afford to wait. There is no alternative - the race has already started," said the four-time world champion without going into detail. In the past he repeatedly criticized the high ecological footprint of Formula 1.
Vettel began his career in the premier class in 2007. Two years later he switched to the Red Bull racing team, with whom he became world champion four times from 2010 to 2013. After moving to Ferrari in 2015, he was no longer able to build on his old successes. In 2021 Vettel became a driver at Aston Martin. The 35-year-old is regarded as one of the most successful motorsport drivers in history. This year's Formula 1 season ends on November 20th with the Ab Dhabi Grand Prix. Vettel is currently 14th in the drivers' standings.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated since it was first published.
Sources: Sebastian Vettel on Instagram, DPA news agency
