Sebastian Vettel Announces Retirement From Formula One At End Of 2022 Season

Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel has announced he will retire at the end of the 2022 season.

The German posted a video revealing the news via his recently set-up Instagram account. Across his 15-year career in motorsport, Vettel won the World Championship four times in four consecutive seasons in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 when he was with Red Bull - only Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio have won more.

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He has since driven for Ferrari and currently races for Aston Martin, whom he has represented since 2021. In the video uploaded to Instagram, the 35-year-old said: “I love this sport. It has been central to my life since I can remember.

“But as much as there is life on track, there is my life off track too. 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 rather than what we do.

“I am Sebastian, father of three children and husband to a wonderful woman.”

He then admitted how his time away from family was crucial to his decision.

“I have grown a family and I love being around them. I have grown other interests outside Formula One. My passion for racing and Formula One comes with lots 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 it is right, does no longer go side by side with my wish to be a great father and husband. The energy it takes to become one with the car and the team, to chase perfection takes focus and commitment.

“My goals have shifted from winning races and fighting for championships to seeing my children grow.”

Alongside his four world titles, he leaves behind a legacy that includes 53 race wins and 122 podiums.

Vettel added: "Today is not about saying goodbye. Rather, it is about saying thank you - to everyone - not least to the fans, without whose passionate support F1 could not exist.”

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